Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has put on notice operators of gas filling stations in residential areas and those who lack relevant licenses.
The Governor led an inspection of gas filling outlets in Mvita and Nyali Sub-Counties to ascertain safety and compliance with County Urban regulations.
The inspection led to the closure of four outlets in Ganjoni, Tudor, Kongowea and Links Road that were operating without the necessary permits and in contravention of the law and safety codes.
The Governor is keen to avert a gas explosion akin to the Embakasi one that has so far claimed the lives of seven people and left over 200 nursing injuries.
Gas filling stations have been urged to acquire licenses from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Single Business Permit and Fire Inspection Certificate before they start operations.
Governor Nassir stated that there is no gas exploration in the county, however, the coastal city is the gateway to all
imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other petroleum products through its port.
‘Gas is being dealt with by certain multi-national and national companies whose threshold allows them to import and transport gas locally,’ said Governor Nassir during a press briefing at his office.
However, he added it is prudent for the companies supplying gas to outlets to ensure the outlets have all the requisite four permits.
‘All these are going to be done in record time as long as people can be able to apply so that we don’t have incidents that have unfortunately been witnessed to happen in other parts,’ said the Governor.
The County administration has communicated to the gas importing companies and is expecting compliance not to endanger lives.
‘The right way for people to do business is not by endangering the lives of citizens. We need to be extremely careful,’ stated the Governor, adding, the measures are being taken to prevent harm and not to cripple businesses.
The Governor absolved his administration from
any wrongdoing in the issuance of licenses to affected outlets in residential areas saying they all lack fire inspection certificates.
He directed the sub-county administrators to merge sensitization on SBPs and identification of illegal gas-filling outlets that are posing a danger. The Inspectorate will also conduct inspections and take necessary actions.
He warned County officials of dire consequences if they will work in cahoots with operators of illegal outlets. He said they will not relent until the gas industry complies with the law.
Source: Kenya News Agency