Government is taking steps to shut down the Kiteezi landfill after its collapse resulted in the tragic death of over 23 individuals.
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber, made this announcement during a statement presented to the House chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday, 13 August 2024.
Since 1997, the Kiteezi landfill in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, has served as the main waste disposal site for Kampala, receiving 2,500 tonnes of waste daily.
The recent collapse on 10 August 2024 has emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable and safer waste management plan.
Aber stated that the government will decommission the Kiteezi landfill to prevent further loss of life or environmental harm.
“The tragic events have exposed the weaknesses in our waste management system. Thus, the government has decided to expedite the closure of the Kiteezi landfill,” she said, adding that, “we have preserved a 200-meter buffer zone around the landfill and are leveling the garbage hill to stabilize the area during the phase-out process.”
Furthermore, she mentioned that the government is actively seeking alternative waste disposal sites.
“We have identified potential locations in Menvu, Nansana, and Busumamura in Kira Municipality,” Aber added.
These sites are expected to replace Kiteezi and address the impending waste crisis in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).
The minister disclosed plans to implement modern waste management practices such as incineration and recycling to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly waste disposal in Uganda.
Member of Parliament for Kyadondo East, Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, expressed disappointment that earlier warnings were ignored, leading to the tragic event.
He voiced concerns about gas extraction activities at the landfill which might have contributed to the disaster.
Additionally, he called for comprehensive support for the affected individuals, criticizing the labeling of victims as land encroachers.
Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, disputed claims of gas extraction at Kiteezi and stated it was premature to discuss compensation until all individuals potentially trapped are rescued.
MP for Ora County, Hon. Lawrence Songa, highlighted the need for swift action in decommissioning the landfill, citing previous warnings from the Committee on Climate Change which were not heeded.
He suggested inviting investors to convert waste into gas, emphasizing the significant economic losses Uganda incurs annually due to waste-related issues.
Rt Hon. Rukia Nakadama, Third Deputy Premier, reassured ongoing emergency rescue efforts, mobilizing equipment for a 24-hour rescue operation to aid individuals still trapped in the landfill.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged the gravity of the situation and redirected focus to ongoing efforts to rescue those affected by the disaster.
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