Concerns are mounting over the recent tragedy at the Kiteezi landfill, with questions being raised about whether the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) was aware of the hazardous conditions at the site but chose to remain silent. As investigations continue, the possibility of prior knowledge by KCCA has sparked public outrage, with many demanding accountability for the disaster.
For starters, the KCCA Kiteezi Landfill Dumping Site was opened in 1996 and is located in a 36-hectare area, serving both Kampala and the neighboring district of Wakiso. The landfill site has been receiving an estimated 1200 tons of waste per day. However, due to the lack of a weighing scale machine, the actual weight of the garbage has yet to be accurately recorded.
Instead, trucks rely on private sector facilities to weigh the garbage before dumping it. It was observed that KCCA trucks dumped 48 percent of the garbage, while private sector and concessionaires accounted for 52 percent. On arrival each truck registers 4.2 tones irrespective of the size and type of the truck, this justifies the estimation of tones received per day at the site.
Last year in November, the Public Health Standing Committee Supervision and Monitoring chaired by Ssemuli Daniel visited the landfill to assess the compliance of the landfill site with public health regulations and standards, and also to identify any potential risks or issues and make recommendations for improvement.
After the monitoring, the committee of people made a report informing the authorities that the landfill was totally in poor condition and was soon becoming a hazard to the people staying around it.
According to the report seen by this website; the nine members informed their boss in the Authority that the site was improper, hazardous to the community, and needed an agent solution managing solid waste hence coming up with long-term measures such as recycling garbage programs at the facility.
“During the rainy season access to the roads within the site is not well-managed to allow smooth movement of vehicles. The landfill site has no designated areas for recycling and composting. The lack of a weighing scale machine raises concerns regarding accurate waste tracking and management,” reads part of the report.
The report further informed the leaders of the Authority that Odor management systems are never in place, and there wasn’t any room for improvement to further minimize the release of unpleasant odors, especially considering the site’s proximity to residential areas.
“The landfill site has not implemented proper measures to prevent leachate contamination and groundwater pollution, including proper lining and collection of leachate for treatment. Workers or waste pickers lack safety equipment, including gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to protect them from potential hazards. Regular training programs on occupational health and safety are not conducted for workers to ensure adherence to safety protocols,” reads the report.
The committee also warned the operation of the excavator at the landfill site poses a significant risk to the safety of solid waste pickers. Since these individuals were not official workers of the KCCA institution but were issued identity cards by the supervisor, they engaged in unauthorized waste-picking activities during the operation of the Excavator.
They further cautioned that the presence of unauthorized individuals near the operating Excavator creates a hazardous environment, as they are not equipped with proper safety gear or trained to handle potential accidents or incidents that may occur during waste collection. This situation not only compromises the safety of these individuals but also poses a risk to the overall operations and reputation of the KCCA institution.
“Steps should be taken to mitigate the impact on nearby residents forced to vacate their properties due to the stench and unsanitary conditions caused by the stagnant leachate ponds. Efforts should be made to provide alternative housing or compensation for affected individuals, ensuring their safety, well-being, and rights protection. By addressing the operational issues of the leachate treatment plant and taking necessary measures to mitigate the impact on nearby residents, the KCCA institution can demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability, public health, and the welfare of the communities it serves,” reads the report.
After receiving such an assessment, the Director of Public Health Dr. Daniel Akello Ayen on 2nd July 2024 penned a letter to the Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka who received it on 4th July 2024. In the letter Dr Ayen told Kisaka;
“Kiteezi Landfill is facing severe operational challenges due to its continued use beyond capacity, leading to the waste cliffs and unstable slopes. This poses both waste management efficiency and community safety.
25/07/201. Cracks and Waste Movement: On 28th June 2024, cracks and waste slides were observed in the northeastern part of the landfill. Consequently, waste and intervention movement has blocked the main drainage channel, causing leachate flooding in the neighborhood farm…..The area of operation has reduced due to the above issues..”
However, sources within have told this website that when Kisaka received the letter Dr Ayen was informed to attack the budget which was needed but he did not. However Kiteezi in particular has been receiving Shs4b each financial year.
Under its Preventive and curative sections, the Directorate of Public Health and Environment issued warnings that the Kiteezi landfill Dumping site serves both Kampala and the neighboring district of Wakiso. However, it’s poorly managed and overdue for decommissioning. Untreated leachate is released to the community.
They had warned about the presence of cracks that could cause landslides and disasters. Despite the repeated warnings, the authorities took no action until last week when the Kiteezi landfill slid, killing over 30 people, burying hundreds of homes, leaving people homeless, and causing the loss of millions of properties.
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