Rédaction Africa Links 24 with IRENE MWANGI
Published on 2024-02-29 15:33:16
The Embakasi explosion victims in Nairobi, Kenya, are facing a delay in receiving compensation from the government. The responsibility for disbursing the fund now rests with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir informed Members of Parliament that the National Disaster Committee is handling the matter as the Energy department lacks the budget to address such concerns.
Chirchir assured MPs that his team would take immediate action to ensure that the affected families receive compensation. He explained that the budget for such incidents falls under the National Disaster Committee, and officials are working to ensure the victims of the Embakasi explosion are properly compensated.
Deputy President Gachagua has pledged government support for the victims of the gas tragedy in Embakasi. He stated that those responsible for the explosion would be held accountable. In response to the incident, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) suspended operating licenses for 49 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) companies that were found to be non-compliant.
An audit conducted on all 138 LPG plants in the country revealed that many were located too close to residential areas, posing a risk to residents. Chirchir admitted that there are gaps in surveillance and enforcement due to understaffing in the department. EPRA has revoked licenses for a significant number of LPG plants, primarily in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
Members of Parliament criticized EPRA for failing to enforce regulations that could have prevented the tragedy in Embakasi. Chirchir acknowledged that there were enforcement loopholes that allowed illegal plants to operate. EPRA’s Director General, Daniel Kiptoo, stated that the authority is understaffed to effectively conduct surveillance and enforcement activities.
Moving forward, EPRA has adopted a multi-agency approach to address illegal filling plants, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. Kiptoo emphasized the need for improved surveillance to prevent similar incidents in the future. Housing policies by local authorities have also been identified as a challenge, as residential units are often built near hazardous facilities.
Chirchir noted that legal disputes may arise from the suspension of licenses for compliant LPG plants that were established before residential settlements encroached on their locations. EPRA clarified that they had rejected applications for new facilities that did not meet safety requirements. The authority had previously taken action against Maxxis Energy for illegal gas cylinder filling activities in Nanyuki.
In conclusion, the government and regulatory bodies are working to address the issues that led to the Embakasi explosion and prevent future incidents through improved enforcement and surveillance measures. The victims of the tragedy are still awaiting compensation, but efforts are being made to expedite the process and support those affected by the disaster.
Read the original article on Africa News 24
