Cane farmers protest petition opposing factory construction

Cane farmers protest petition opposing factory construction

Sugar cane farmers from Western Kenya sugar belt on Monday staged demonstrations outside the Busia Law Courts to express their dissatisfaction with a petition seeking to block construction of a cane processing factory in the area.

The farmers are protesting a petition filed by a Mr Shaban Wandera contesting the construction of the company at Busibwabo in Matayos.

The petitioner argues that the factory will not have adequate cane to process and keep it afloat, drawing examples of other sugar milling factories that have collapsed due to inadequate cane to process.

Wandera further argued that a health assessment had not been carried out to ascertain whether it is hazardous to health of the residents and the environment.

In a court session attended by Busia Senator and former Attorney General Amos Wako, the petitioner further wants the construction plan stopped until all the issued raised are addressed.

The cane farmers, however, accused the petitioner of being part of a cartel linked to a local factory they said is afraid of competition.

They noted that the county had enough sugar cane and that cartels should not use brokers to fight wars that affect farmers.

The farmers further expressed concern over the high number of youth who would be rendered jobless if the construction works at the factory was to be stopped.

Written by Velma Barasa

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