Muyenga Tank Hill faces landslide, say experts
Apr 05, 2010
PARTS of Muyenga Tank Hill suburb are threatened by a landslide, experts from National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) have warned.
By Andante Okanya
PARTS of Muyenga Tank Hill suburb are threatened by a landslide, experts from National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) have warned.
The persistent rains have weakened the soil in Monkey Zone below Kampala’s main water reservoirs.
Mary Kitutu, a NEMA official, who led a team of geological experts on an inspection tour on Saturday, said: “Indicators show the slope is slowly failing. The rocks are being pushed down. The rock is completely weathered.â€
She said the five permanent houses on the slope are built on a weak foundation.
Dr. Andrew Muwanga, an environmental geologist, said rain water is washing away the soil, exposing the residents to danger.
He explained that marram has low resistance to erosion and that the owners of the houses should have removed it and remained with the rocky soils before embarking on construction.
The hill also houses five massive water tanks owned by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) with a capacity of 4,000,000 litres of water.
A two-storey building that doubles as a church and home for destitutes is facing the biggest risk.
The experts also said an apartment block under construction is slanting after the foundation got exposed due to the extensive excavation on the slopes of the hill without stabilising it.
The experts pointed out evident signs like the weakening soils, buildings which have developed cracks and trees that are slanting.
The experts also noted five others mansions at a lower level risk being submerged if the soils give away.
Police chief Maj Gen. Kale Kayihura on Friday visited the area.
According to local authorities, Kayihura who quoted a report from geological experts, ordered suspension of the construction activities until the slopes are stabilised.
He also advised the residents to vacate but they have, however, declined.
NWSC experts have also made frequent visits to the area, as the water tanks are also at risk.
Yasin Omari, the LC1 chairman, blamed Kampala City Council (KCC) engineers for failing to guide the development of structures in the area.
PARTS of Muyenga Tank Hill suburb are threatened by a landslide, experts from National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) have warned.
The persistent rains have weakened the soil in Monkey Zone below Kampala’s main water reservoirs.
Mary Kitutu, a NEMA official, who led a team of geological experts on an inspection tour on Saturday, said: “Indicators show the slope is slowly failing. The rocks are being pushed down. The rock is completely weathered.â€
She said the five permanent houses on the slope are built on a weak foundation.
Dr. Andrew Muwanga, an environmental geologist, said rain water is washing away the soil, exposing the residents to danger.
He explained that marram has low resistance to erosion and that the owners of the houses should have removed it and remained with the rocky soils before embarking on construction.
The hill also houses five massive water tanks owned by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) with a capacity of 4,000,000 litres of water.
A two-storey building that doubles as a church and home for destitutes is facing the biggest risk.
The experts also said an apartment block under construction is slanting after the foundation got exposed due to the extensive excavation on the slopes of the hill without stabilising it.
The experts pointed out evident signs like the weakening soils, buildings which have developed cracks and trees that are slanting.
The experts also noted five others mansions at a lower level risk being submerged if the soils give away.
Police chief Maj Gen. Kale Kayihura on Friday visited the area.
According to local authorities, Kayihura who quoted a report from geological experts, ordered suspension of the construction activities until the slopes are stabilised.
He also advised the residents to vacate but they have, however, declined.
NWSC experts have also made frequent visits to the area, as the water tanks are also at risk.
Yasin Omari, the LC1 chairman, blamed Kampala City Council (KCC) engineers for failing to guide the development of structures in the area.