Results of the legal action against the project
Oct 18, 2009
IN a petition addressed to Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, the executive director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the residents say they were never consulted over the construction.
By Vision Reporter
IN a petition addressed to Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, the executive director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the residents say they were never consulted over the construction.
The lead petitioner Hon. Yokasi Bwambale Bihande, MP Bukonzo East, says: “The residents were never consulted and yet the factory’s effluents will adversely affect them.
We want this matter addressed before it is too late.†The petition, according to Stephen Kadaali and Paschal Mujasi, the other petitioners, was handed over to NEMA’s Arnold Waisswa, but nothing good has come of it.
NEMA’s order to Samona to stop construction in a letter dated July 1 has been disregarded by the developer who has roofed the building. Onesmus Muhwezi, the director of environment monitoring at NEMA says the two options are either to breakdown the building or go to Court.
“We have seen NEMA break down people’s houses and hope the same justice will be applied in this case. However, the pace of construction has increased. NEMA should restrain violation of our rights,†says Kadaali.
He is worried the value of their houses is decreasing by the day. “Construction of the factory started two months ago. We need a public hearing. The residents would like to know how he will dispose off solid waste and the noise pollution,†says Kadaali.
Local councils should be at the fore-front to ensure proper planning in communities. The LC1 Chairperson for Nsaawo zone, Edward Mugamba says complaints were brought before him prompting him to make an inspection.
“I did not find Ssalongo Samona, the developer, because the had travelled abroad but I have summoned him to come and explain what is happening.â€
Mugamba says he will pursue the matter with the Town Council to establish the circumstances under which the plan for the factory was approved.
Samuel Mwesigwa, the town engineer for Kiira Town Council, also blamed the developer for being defiant. “We have never approved the building plans for Samona in Namugongo.
We do not know what he is intending to do. He has not respected the notice issued by the council halting construction since he does not have a building plan and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).â€
Mwesigwa says the council has vowed to swing into action and restore order.
“The developer has disobeyed lawful orders and we now have all the reasons to take another step.
Whether he is building a warehouse or chemical factory, the law requires him to submit a building plan to Kiira Town Council,†he says.
Eugine Muramira, the acting NEMA executive director wrote to the developer stopping construction of the factory pending an impact assessment. “I do not know whether they have stopped, but I wrote and ordered for an EIA to be done.â€
IN a petition addressed to Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, the executive director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the residents say they were never consulted over the construction.
The lead petitioner Hon. Yokasi Bwambale Bihande, MP Bukonzo East, says: “The residents were never consulted and yet the factory’s effluents will adversely affect them.
We want this matter addressed before it is too late.†The petition, according to Stephen Kadaali and Paschal Mujasi, the other petitioners, was handed over to NEMA’s Arnold Waisswa, but nothing good has come of it.
NEMA’s order to Samona to stop construction in a letter dated July 1 has been disregarded by the developer who has roofed the building. Onesmus Muhwezi, the director of environment monitoring at NEMA says the two options are either to breakdown the building or go to Court.
“We have seen NEMA break down people’s houses and hope the same justice will be applied in this case. However, the pace of construction has increased. NEMA should restrain violation of our rights,†says Kadaali.
He is worried the value of their houses is decreasing by the day. “Construction of the factory started two months ago. We need a public hearing. The residents would like to know how he will dispose off solid waste and the noise pollution,†says Kadaali.
Local councils should be at the fore-front to ensure proper planning in communities. The LC1 Chairperson for Nsaawo zone, Edward Mugamba says complaints were brought before him prompting him to make an inspection.
“I did not find Ssalongo Samona, the developer, because the had travelled abroad but I have summoned him to come and explain what is happening.â€
Mugamba says he will pursue the matter with the Town Council to establish the circumstances under which the plan for the factory was approved.
Samuel Mwesigwa, the town engineer for Kiira Town Council, also blamed the developer for being defiant. “We have never approved the building plans for Samona in Namugongo.
We do not know what he is intending to do. He has not respected the notice issued by the council halting construction since he does not have a building plan and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).â€
Mwesigwa says the council has vowed to swing into action and restore order.
“The developer has disobeyed lawful orders and we now have all the reasons to take another step.
Whether he is building a warehouse or chemical factory, the law requires him to submit a building plan to Kiira Town Council,†he says.
Eugine Muramira, the acting NEMA executive director wrote to the developer stopping construction of the factory pending an impact assessment. “I do not know whether they have stopped, but I wrote and ordered for an EIA to be done.â€