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{
    "id": 1439848,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1439848/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 64,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nakuru Town East, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. David Gikaria",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "been formed collected water samples from the boreholes and wells for the affected region and conducted scientific investigations, which revealed that the water contained elevated levels of nitrites and nitrates above those permissible for drinking. Further studies were carried out in a water sample collected from shallow wells and deep boreholes in Kargi Village as well as solid samples from the sites that were de-commissioned by Amoko Oil Company being Bellatrix 1 and Silas 1. In their report, other than observing that the de-commissioning procedure had not been followed at Bellatrix 1, the expert concluded that there was no clear relationship between the presence of bentonite at the well site and the contamination of water in the borehole and the shallow wells. The report indicated radioactivity levels of bentonite and bentonite at 0.104 and U238, as a reference of the permissible levels set out by the Radiation Protection Board. The committee, therefore, recommended that NOCK organise for removal and disposal of abandoned scrap metal and obsolete drilling chemicals as indicated in Annex 1. NOCK engaged Abasai Technical Investment Limited to remove and dispose of the abandoned scrap metal and obsolete drilling chemicals in 2005 and later submitted a report on the same to the Authority. All the time during the said exercise, NOCK was in constant communication with the Authority through correspondence while sharing information on the progress made at the sight. The taskforce collected fresh water samples from shallow wells and boreholes together with abandoned drilling chemicals for analysis. Their report also concluded that the water had concentration of sulphites, acetic, nitrites and nitrates above permissible levels for drinking water. The taskforce recommended short-term action at Kargi to include removal of bentonite at Bellatrix 1 oil exploration well; provision of alternative sources of water to the locals, and need to carry out studies on the cancer cases. In an endeavour to dispel the fears of dumping of toxic and carcinogenic substances, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) organised for dissemination of information among local communities on the findings of various investigations carried out within the region. NOCK carried out detailed assessment of the requirement of disposable bentonite at Bellatrix 1 well, including the estimated cost of works at the site. The assessment indicated that there was no appropriate 1,000 tonnes of bentonite at Bellatrix 1 and NOCK was expected to propose to NEMA the disposal options for ease of collaboration. After careful evaluation of the disposal option proposed by NOCK, NEMA approved and proposed options under the following conditions: 1. NOCK undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on selected sites, incorporating risk assessment and management (Annex 4 has an EIA report license). 2. NOCK ensure the position of the mediation, post-care and maintenance plan (I have confirmed with the Ministry this has not been done). 3. NOCK notify NEMA on completion of the mediation works and submit a mediation report for evaluation and that sampling and analysis of appropriate parameters be provided. 4. NOCK involve the community and project-affected persons during the execution of the mediation post-care and maintenance. The NOCK submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment report on disposal of bentonite at one of the sites to NEMA, which NEMA reviewed and issued NOCK with a licence, No. NEMA/EIA/PSL/15977, on 20th December 2021 as indicated under Annex 1. Hon. Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to give the response. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}