A Sh25 million Jua Kali project under construction in Mutindwa, Yatta sub-county could be stopped after it was revealed that an environmental impact assessment audit was not conducted.
A site visit by the National Environment Management Authority officers led by Yatta sub-county Environment Officer Stephen Nzioka revealed that the officials had not consulted any authorised firm to do impact assessment before commencement of construction work.
The Chairman of Yatta Jua Kali Association Erastus Mwiandi said although the first phase of the project which includes construction of stone fence, guard house, gate and VIP latrines which was budgeted to cost Sh2.2 million was almost complete, the committee had not contacted any firm to carry out an assessment of the project's impact on the environment.
The chairman however, said at first the project committee members were unaware of the mandatory environment audit report until a similar project was stopped in Matuu town two months ago.
The project was stopped after it was realised that construction of Jua Kali sheds were about to be constructed without undergoing the procedure.
He said since they had not budgeted for that extra costs, they would go back to the financier and request for more funds to cover the expenses.
Mr Nzioka later told the press that since it was mandatory by NEMA to carry out an environmental audit, he would not hesitate to stop the project once he gets authority from the headquarters after submitting his report.