Truck that overturned in Uasin Gishu was ferrying natural rubber latex to DRC

Truck that overturned in Uasin Gishu was ferrying natural rubber latex to DRC

Consequently, the county chief warned residents downstream against using the contaminated river water for drinking, household needs, livestock, or agricultural activities until further notice.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has confirmed that a truck that overturned in Matharu area, Tarakwa Ward in Timboroa, resulting in a spillage of a white substance, was ferrying natural rubber latex in its primary form to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The truck was transporting the substance in a container that spilt over and made its way into River Kipkarren–Bindura–Kesses.

Consequently, the county chief warned residents downstream against using the contaminated river water for drinking, household needs, livestock, or agricultural activities until further notice.

"In response, we have mobilised our machinery to create a containment trench to prevent any further seepage into the river system. Our Public Health officers, together with Eldowas and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) experts, have already collected samples for detailed laboratory analysis," he said in a public notice.

At the same time, the Nabkoi water treatment plant has been temporarily shut down as an additional safety measure to safeguard public health.

The plant supplies clean and safe water closer to the residents of Burnt Forest and parts of Kesses.

Earlier, the substance that turned part of the water it came into contact with white was suspected to be an industrial chemical.

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