More than 10 years after the government banned the use of asbestos for roofing due to its proven cancer risk, it is still widely used in schools and on some public buildings. The action taken in 2006 followed the confirmation of the carcinogenic effects of this once-popular roofing material.

According to government records, 188 schools and other educational institutions have been found to have asbestos in various quantities, totalling 3,180 tonnes. 

Documents tabled in Parliament last year indicate that buildings belonging to the National Treasury, and the Ministries of Lands, Urban Planning, Housing and Public Works, Interior, Education, and Health are among those with the highest levels of asbestos roofing. The private sector has a total of 8,467 tonnes.

However, in a belated but welcome move, a parliamentary committee has given all the public learning institutions one year to remove their asbestos roofing. The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) will oversee this.

The National Assembly Committee on Petitions has also directed the Ministry of Health to conduct a medical survey within six months to ascertain the extent and impact of asbestos exposure. This is okay, but it is just slowing down the process, as research has shown that exposure to asbestos poses a grave health risk.

Experts say it can cause an aggressive cancer that affects the membrane lining the lungs and abdomen. The symptoms, including persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, are similar to those in respiratory illnesses. Sadly, they sometimes appear 20 to 30 years after exposure.

Deteriorating asbestos sheets release into the air fibres that contaminate soil and water, endangering entire communities.

The authorities should move faster to get all the asbestos roofs finally removed. The toxic material should not still be on the public buildings, especially schools, endangering children’s lives. The government has a vital duty to enhance public health.