Kabale Residents Fear Potential Collapse of Kirengyere Garbage Collection Center

Summary:

• Authorities warn that the site is at full capacity and may not serve for more than two to three years before collapsing, similar to what occurred in Kiteezi.

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KABALE: Residents of Karubanda Village in Kyanamira Parish, Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District, are living in fear that the Kirengyere garbage collection center might collapse, causing a catastrophe in the area following the recent landfill collapse in Kiteezi, Wakiso District, which resulted in several fatalities.

According to Jane Karukwanzi, 63, and Shallon Orikira, both residents of Karubanda Village, the community is in a state of uncertainty and fear. They say that garbage has piled up, and after what happened in Wakiso, residents are terrified.

They revealed that the area is plagued by the foul smell from untreated garbage and unclaimed dead bodies, which are often buried there. They noted that the presence of houseflies has become a significant health hazard, putting residents at risk of contracting diseases.

They urged the Kabale District authorities to relocate the garbage before it collapses and causes a disaster in the area.

Cue in Karukwanzi….on the Matter….RR//

Mrs Peace Kagurusi, another resident, shared similar fears, warning that if the garbage collapses, it could result in loss of life and block the Kabale-Mbarara road for up to two months.

She said that Kabale leaders need to prioritize people’s lives over garbage.

Cue in Mrs Kagurusi….on the Matter…..RR//

However, Kabale Municipality Health Inspector, Andrew Biija, stated that the residents had encroached on the area illegally stating that Authorities never approved anyone to build near the garbage collection center and cemetery.

He explained that the area was approved as a garbage collection center by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) before people began settling there. He revealed that the municipality is planning to relocate the garbage collection center and purchase larger land farther from Kabale town.

Cue in Biija…..on the Matter……RR/ENG//

The Kirengyere garbage collection center has been in use for nearly 12 years, receiving waste from Kabale town, which comprises three divisions. Authorities warn that the site is at full capacity and may not serve for more than two to three years before collapsing, similar to what occurred in Kiteezi.