National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has told the Machakos County Government to get rid of asbestos dumped at the county's dump site.
The Machakos County NEMA director Titus Simiyu said disintegration of the materials have effects on human health.
"Shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, chest tightness or pain are some of the side effects of asbestos," Simiyu said.
"Asbestos is a silicate mineral that is woven into fabrics used as a substitute for iron sheets or commonly known Mabati for roofing," he added.
Simiyu said the materials pose great risks to residents living around the dumpsite and Mumbuni area where there are several water boreholes.
“The Machakos government should consider three ways in dealing with the asbestos. Either consult leaderships of Kitui and Kiambu Counties who have already set aside pieces of land to bury the materials, try to reach licensed asbestos dealers authorized to clear the materials or allocate a parcel of land within the county to bury the materials," Simiyu said.
The asbestos were brought down from Machakos Level Five Hospital following Governor Alfred Mutua’s directives.
However, the relevant authorities failed to appropriately dispose them.
“Machakos County has many government houses roofed using asbestos which must be changed, there must be a serious plan to deal with the material on roofing," Simiyu noted.