Nairobians have been put on alert after the discovery of a disturbing, unlawful practice involving the washing of plastic carrier bags in raw sewage water for resale in the city.
Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria exposed a syndicate comprising women in Mukuru Kwa Ruben slum, who were caught red-handed cleaning tens of bags using sewage water which flows through the informal settlement.
In photos and videos shared by the county official, the women appeared to be collecting numerous bags which had found their way to the slum via the murky waters.
The women then proceeded to wash the same carrier bags in the same water before airing them on the banks of the stream to dry. According to Mosiria, the women conceded that the bags were set to re-enter the Nairobi markets for use.
“It is deeply disturbing and unfortunate that some women in Mukuru Kwa Ruben have resorted to washing used carrier bags with sewage water for resale,” said Mosiria.
“This dangerous and unhygienic practice puts both city residents and the women themselves at serious health risk.”
Mosiria further disclosed that the contaminated bags often ended up in major markets in the city, including Muthurwa, Gikomba, Toi, Marikiti, Wakulima and Burma, as well as various retail outlets.
Subsequently, unsuspecting consumers are potentially exposed to the risk of diseases since they tend to buy and eat food packaged in contaminated materials.
Sewage water is typically rigged with harmful pathogens and toxins, which can remain in items such as carrier bags long after washing. Once food interacts with the carrier bags, it becomes a conduit for the transmission of diseases such as typhoid and cholera.
A majority of the women engaging in the unlawful recycling, according to Mosiria, came from vulnerable backgrounds and needed empowerment to nudge them to cleaner employment opportunities.
The county official revealed that while he quelled the unlawful operations, any individuals found engaging in acts which pose a health hazard to city residents would face the law.
“We will not allow anyone to compromise the health and safety of Nairobi residents,” Mosiria warned. “Any person found handling or distributing contaminated packaging materials will face the full force of the law.”
