Tanker accident leaves village with polluted water

Water polluted by fuel. [iStockphoto]

Residents of Mayoni, Kakamega County are claiming that a petrol tanker that was involved in an accident on January 12 has affected the environment in the area.

Suleiman Owuor, who lives 100 metres from the accident scene says residents have been exposed to hazards arising from pollution of the water wells in the neighbourhood.

"Weeks later after the petrol tanker fell, we started noticing a change in our community wells as the water became dark and had the smell of petrol. The well served over 500 residents who now can't use the water. Worse, the nearby rivers and boreholes have also been contaminated with petrol," said Owuor.

He added: "The only option left is to drill another well or wait until the well purifies itself." He says the area is not sufficiently connected to piped water. Connecting water to one household costs up to Sh20,000.

Another of his village mates, in Ekama village, Everline Chakango says she has to trek for some five kilometres to get water from bordering areas.

"Our water is contaminated and smells like petrol. Children have developed diarrhea, cholera and stomach problems. Crops do not germinate well. I just pray that God protects us not to develop chronic illnesses," she noted.