Residents in Tumutumu area of Ndithini Sub-County, Machakos County, have raised alarm over the condition of the Matheng’eta River, whose water has reportedly turned green.
Residents in Kasuvilo Sub-Location, Mananja Location, say they are concerned that the water is no longer safe for domestic use or for their livestock.
The situation has raised questions about what may have caused the change in the river’s appearance and whether the water has been contaminated.
Residents suspect the problem may be linked to waste from an organic factory located upstream.
They allege that effluent from the facility is transported by exhauster lorries and deposited in nearby quarry pits.
According to the residents, some of the waste has subsequently overflowed from the pits into the river, while the organic deposits have produced a foul odor in the area.
The allegations have not been independently established by County Guardian, and the specific cause of the river’s green color has not been confirmed through laboratory testing.
Residents are now calling for relevant authorities to investigate the situation and establish the source of the suspected pollution.
They want the condition of the river assessed and appropriate action taken to protect the waterway and communities that depend on it.
The concerns are significant because environmental documentation identifies the Saba Saba River, also known as Mathengeta, and records fishing activities around the river.
The available reporting, however, does not establish the level or type of contamination in the river. Water-quality testing would be necessary to determine what has caused the change in the water and whether it presents a health or environmental risk.
Questions remain over suspected source
The residents’ allegations raise questions about the management and disposal of waste from activities upstream of the river.
Among the issues requiring investigation are whether waste is being transported to the reported quarry pits, whether the pits are properly managed and whether any waste could be reaching the river.
The allegations against the company therefore remain unverified, and no conclusion should be drawn about its responsibility for the condition of the river until the relevant authorities investigate the matter.
The authorities will also need to establish whether the reported green colour is caused by industrial waste, biological activity, runoff or another factor.
For residents, the immediate concern remains the safety and condition of a river that forms part of their local environment.
County Guardian will continue following the matter and will update the story if authorities, environmental agencies or the company respond to the allegations.
