By James Owich
The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has halted the construction of a fuel station on Pece Wetland, situated in the heart of Gulu City.
In a letter dated April 29, 2024, and signed by Dr. Birega Akankwasah, the Executive Director NEMA and addressed to Lawrence Okello, the Director Oil Energies, the agency asked the investor to stop forthwith with any activity in the wetland.
According to NEMA, an environment compliance inspection conducted at the site on March 25, 2024, indicates that construction of the fuel station was being done without the approval of Gulu City.
NEMA accordingly asked Okello to stop the development for not complying with section 157 of the National Environment Act, 2019.
The agency also asked the investor fully cooperate with the police in regards to the ongoing investigation into the alleged construction of a fuel station in the wetlands.
The controversial construction of the filling station had sparked anger among environmental activists and section of local politicians.
Earlier on, court has also stopped Okello from carrying out the project in the wetland. Okello however declined to comment over the matter.
But William Lubuulwa, the Spokesperson National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) confirmed to Mega FM that Okello has been ordered to stop constructing the fuel station in the wetland.
