BLANTYRE – Government has closed Suncrest Creameries, a dairy manufacturing company in Blantyre with immediate effect, saying it poses a health threat.

A notice from the Director of Environmental Affairs says the company was discharging waste into the environment.

Information indicate that untreated waste flows directly into Mudi River without any mode of treatment thereby endangering public health and the enviroment.

The department says Suncrest’s actions are posing a serious risk to public health, the life of the river and the environment.

The company has since been ordered to construct a properly designed waste water treatment plant, conduct a comprehensive environmental audit and pay a fine of K1 million by September 20 for discharging untreated waste water into the environment.

Environmentalists have often complained that companies spill affluents unabated into the Mudi river whose waters are discoloured and produce a pungent stench.