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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The death toll from a devastating landslide at a massive garbage dump in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has risen to 21.
The landslide occurred late Friday after weeks of torrential rain, causing a huge mound of waste at the Kiteezi landfill site to collapse. The disaster buried homes on the periphery of the dump while residents were asleep.
Rescue teams are continuing to search for survivors amidst the debris. So far, 14 people have been rescued, but the police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, warned that others might still be trapped, though the exact number remains unknown.
In response to the tragedy, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni directed the prime minister to oversee the immediate relocation of people living near the dump.
Deputy IGG @AnneTwino has this morning visited Kiteezi & promised to take action on any gov’t official who did not take action to avoid the disaster of the garbage slide if investigations reveal negligence. Statements from @KCCAUG staff on ground have been recorded. pic.twitter.com/lylCn1UenV
— IGG (@IGGUganda) August 11, 2024
The government has launched an investigation into the landslide’s cause, with the Inspectorate of Government pledging to hold accountable any officials found negligent.
The Kiteezi landfill, Kampala’s only garbage dump for decades, receives about 1,500 tonnes of waste daily. The site has long been a source of concern for nearby residents, who have complained about hazardous waste and the environmental dangers posed by the massive, ever-growing mound of garbage.
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Despite efforts by city authorities to secure a new landfill site, the process has been stalled for years. Tents have been set up by the Red Cross to provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the landslide.
This tragedy echoes similar incidents across Africa, where poorly managed waste sites have led to catastrophic landslides.
We have noted all the comments, and we appreciate the feedback. We want to assure the public that this is a serious matter involving death of Ugandans. We have instituted investigations, and the culprits will be prosecuted.
— IGG (@IGGUganda) August 11, 2024
The Inspectorate of Government wrote on X, Deputy IGG @AnneTwino this morning visited Kiteezi & promised to take action against any gov’t official who did not take action to avoid the disaster of the garbage slide if investigations reveal negligence. Statements from @KCCAUG staff on the ground have been recorded.
In another tweet, they wrote, “We have noted all the comments, and we appreciate the feedback. We want to assure the public that this is a serious matter involving the death of Ugandans. We have instituted investigations, and the culprits will be prosecuted.”
Authorities in Kampala are now under pressure to address the long-standing issues at Kiteezi to prevent further tragedies.
