By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has demolished a structure in Walumamyi wetland in Bujasi village, Wakiso, at a site belonging to Tai Shan International Development Company Ltd.
The structure was demolished in a joint operation with the Ministry of Water and Environment in fulfillment of NEMA’s mandate of safeguarding the environment against degradation, NEMA said in a communiqué on Friday, 5th July, 2024.
“In fulfilling its mandate of safeguarding the environment against degradation, NEMA carried out the operation along the Kampala-Masaka Road at a site belonging to Tai Shan International Development Company Ltd,” the communication reads in part.
The restoration exercise, according to NEMA, follows findings made by environmental inspectors on May 31, 2024, in which the company proprietors were found to be backfilling 3.1 acres of the said wetland.
“NEMA technical team advised the company against proceeding with further wetland degradation and construction, which they defied,” says NEMA ED, Barirega.
The company was also erecting a perimeter wall, pitching heavy stones along their boundaries, and digging drainage channels in the wetland to construct their service roads. The company was also allegedly depositing soil, hardcore, and sand in the wetland.
NEMA further accuses the company of constructing structures without approval from the authority, contrary to the provisions of the National Environment Act, Cap. 181, and the relevant regulations.
NEMA says Tai Shan International Development Company was issued a restoration order, which has since expired.
“The developers were also found with a forged Certificate of Approval from NEMA. Following the findings, the developers were issued a restoration order, which has since expired,” the communication further reads.
The environment regulator says investigations into the matter are being concluded and the suspects will be charged in accordance with the law.
