Governor Bii Confirms Matharu Spill Contained, Urges Public Caution
The governor clarified that this is a precautionary measure in protection of public health as tests are carried out.
He urged residents to adhere to official advisories as a precautionary measure while authorities conduct detailed environmental assessments. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has assured residents that the situation at the Matharu site, where a truck and its container overturned, is under control and closely monitored to prevent further environmental damage.
In a statement to the press, Governor Bii said that the truck and its container have been safely removed, allowing emergency personnel to secure the area. He added that a containment trench had been dug to prevent the remaining substances from reaching the nearby river, a vital source of water to the local communities.
“Our emergency and environmental teams responded quickly and efficiently,” said Governor Bii. “The containment trench is at work, full time, and we’re carrying out continuous monitoring to ensure that the spill does not reach or further contaminate the river.”
He called on those residents who rely on the river’s water to stop using it for domestic purposes until environment officers have concluded their tests. The governor clarified that this is a precautionary measure in protection of public health as tests are carried out.
Governor Bii also applauded the joint efforts of multi-sectoral response teams, which involved county disaster management teams, environmental experts, national government officials, and volunteers at the local level. He added that their combined efforts were vital in containing the spill and limiting the potential damage to both the environment and the community.
“I want to thank the community for its understanding and cooperation during this incident,” Governor Bii added. “Our foremost priority is resident safety and environmental protection. We will keep providing updates as more information and test results become available.”
The county government says that in the days to come, it will continue with river and soil monitoring to ensure that there is no residual contamination left in the environment. Environmental officers are also supposed to perform routine checks, with laboratory tests to confirm whether water and soil quality meet minimum safety standards, before declaring the area fully safe.
The Governor, Bii, comforted residents, assuring them that everything needed to restore normalcy had been addressed and that the safety of the public was their first concern. He urged residents to adhere to official advisories as a precautionary measure while authorities conduct detailed environmental assessments.
“This incident has highlighted the importance of swift action, coordination, and community cooperation,” Governor Bii said. “We are committed to ensuring that the affected area is safe, and that our environment is protected for the well-being of everyone in the county.” The governor continued by reassuring that the situation is under close monitoring, promising that updates will follow as soon as the site can be declared completely safe.
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