Health authorities in Gulu City have closed a factory producing Mukamanayamba Heath Drink over poor waste management.
The decision according to officials, followed an outcry from the community accusing the factory owners of open disposal of liquid waste which has put their lives at risk.
Morris Obwona Acholi, the Deputy Clerk for Gulu City, led the team of the city authorities that closed the premises on Wednesday.
This is the second time the same factory has been closed following an incident in November last year, when Uganda National Bureau of Standards –UNBS closed the factory after they were found to be using an illegal quality mark. It was later opened after they acquired the quality mark for the products.
Michael Ocan, the Gulu City Environment Officer says that he visited the factory two weeks ago and found they were digging a channel from the factory into the drainage that flows to Corner Customs market, about 800 meters from the factory. Ocan said he advised the management to have the liquid waste first treated for a minimum of two days before disposing of it, but his recommendation was not adhered to by management.
Local authorities reported several complaints from the traders at Customs Corner market who are chocking on waste from the factory.
Ocan also tasked the management of the factory to produce the Environmental Impact Assessment report, Waste Management Plan, Health and Safety Policy and Recruitment policy before they will be allowed to resume production.
Cyrus Kyokusiima, the manager of the Factory apologized for the inconveniences caused by the poor waste management and promised to have a septic tank and soak pit built in two days.
