Mbarara environmentalists disagree with municipal leaders over dump site

Environmentalists are up in arms against plans by Mbarara municipality to develop Kenkombe Garbage dumping site without identifying an alternative dump site.

Last week, Mabarara municipality passed a resolution to parcel out the land hosting Kenkombe garbage dumping site in Kakiika division for redevelopment into a residential area.

According to resolution, intends to advertise the land and invite those interested in developing it. The planned estate will host housing facilities, a school and health center. Mbarara accumulates 150 tons of waste each day but only manages to collect 120 tonnes leaving the streets littered with waste.

The proposal to redevelop the dump site without identifying alternative land for dumping waste has drawn protests from Let Us Save Uganda, a local environmental group.

Simon Byamukama, the president Let Us Save Uganda, says whereas the decision to develop the dump site looks viable in business terms, it doesn't make sense unless the municipality identifies alternative land to host the dump site.

According to Byamukama, the town is already choking on uncollected waste, adding that the situation may worsen. Bony Tashobya, the speaker Mbarara Municipality, says the Physical Planning Committee has already approved the redevelopment plan. He says they are already in the process of advertising the land to call for bids.

He says once completed, the estate will be comprised of 318 units and will be a great resource to the municipality and its residents.

Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the Mayor Mbarara Municipality, says the municipality will raise money from the planned project and procure alternative land outside the busy area for dumping waste to ensure that the development goes on uninterrupted.

-URN