Duale orders removal of asbestos roofs from buildings within three months

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday gave a three-month deadline for the removal of asbestos roofs from all buildings across the country.

Citing health risks, Duale on Wednesday warned that those who fail to comply with the order could face prosecution.

The CS also instructed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to notify relevant institutions about the need to dispose of the hazardous fibrous minerals.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and for decades, has been used as building insulation, wiring insulation, roofing and in many building materials.

The fibres may cause serious lung diseases, including asbestosis and cancer. Smoking also increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure.

Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure.

In the 1960s and 1970s, asbestos was widely used in the construction industry due to its durability and fire-resistant qualities. It was a common roofing material for various facilities, including food manufacturing plants and residential homes.

Asbestos fibres are strong and heat-resistant, making them a popular choice for many other products as well.

During his vetting early this month, Duale highlighted that government entities still using asbestos for roofing must remove it by December 2024.

The CS then acknowledged the dangers of asbestos, noting its association with lung cancer. He revealed that the Environment Ministry and NEMA have identified several ministries still using asbestos.

"It is a serious matter since asbestos produces fibre that leads to lung cancer. The Ministry and NEMA have mapped out four ministries that still use asbestos since independence. These include the Ministry of Defence, specifically the barracks in Lannet, various schools, and the Ministry of Lands and Housing," Duale said.

"If approved, I will give government entities until December 2024 to remove asbestos roofing. NEMA has already developed a disposal programme, and we will expect county governments to provide land for disposal purposes."

Duale also revealed plans to identify additional entities, including schools and churches, using asbestos within the next three months.