Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) this past week closed SteelRwa, a steel-manufacturing factory located in Rwamagana District. The plant was closed for persistently polluting its environs despite several warnings from authorities over the over the issue. Unfortunate, as it is, because of the importance of the facility—as a source of income for hundreds of people which it employed and the much-needed materials it produces for the booming construction sector in the country, among others - nothing can be of much importance than the lives of people within the vicinity of the factory. That the management of the plant tried to cut corners instead of reducing the toxic emission that are released into the neighbourhood, meant that a much-more drastic action had to be taken to make them comply. As stated by REMA, the plant was using the cover of the night to switch off the chimneys that would have mitigated the emissions, which put people’s lives in danger. It is encouraging that the management has conceded that indeed, gasses were being emitted into the neighbourhood, and that people’s lives were at stake. It is however rather disappointing that the management turned and used the excuse of the 580 people employed by the plant to protest the closure. It is then up to REMA to come up with the clear instructions to the factory to ensure they comply so as they can resume production in the shortest period possible. Going forward, the most sustainable solution to this is to ensure the plant is moved in more convenient areas - which justifies the decision by government to establish industrial zones in different parts of the country. There should also be regular engagements between factory owners, regulators and local leaders to ensure it does not have to wait for citizens’ petition to parliament for something to be done.
