However, even beyond the polluting of our air, the environment and biodiversity both face damage and pollution due to these illegal brick kilns. People continue to be at serious health risk due to the smoke, gas, and dust emitted. Brick kilns contribute to rivers shrinking and changing directions. This means that both the makeup of the country will change, and embankments around rivers are at risk of collapse.
There are even allegations that brick kilns are being given the clear by the Department of Environment (DoE). Even if the allegations aren't true, when one takes a look at the brick kilns that have sprung up on the outskirts of the capital, one can look at how little care has been taken in setting up these brick kilns and keep them at a safe distance from people and the locality.
There have been court orders regarding the operation of brick kilns in the vicinity of rivers, with little effort to implement them. As the fish of the rivers are continuing to get destroyed and the air and water we have in our localities are snuffed, the presence of illegal brick kilns is something that can no longer be tolerated.
Once again, it points to the culture of impunity that has unfortunately become synonymous with the country. But we must put a stop to this. It starts with investigating the allegations of corruption and checking any and all brick kilns. We are making strides economically, but that means nothing if we can’t save the environment. It is imperative that the authorities become serious about this issue.
