In efforts to mitigate water shortage, a Murang’a water company has launched an ambitious tree planting programme.
The Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (MUWASCO) on Friday led members of the public and other local water firms in planting more than 10, 000 seedlings at its sewer treatment plant.
The exercise that was also graced by representatives from other water companies also saw community groups issued with 6, 000 seedlings to plant on riparian lands.
At Karie sewer treatment area, the company staff with support of learners from various institutions planted indigenous and bamboo seedlings.
The MUWASCO Managing Director, Eng. Daniel Ng’ang’a said the 4-acre land at the sewer plant will be planted trees to ensure clean environment.
He admitted that the destruction of environment and especially deforestation has occasioned water shortage forcing rationing of the commodity.
In the programme, Ng’ang’a said the company has established a tree nursery with more than 10 million seedlings which will be issued to residents to plant during rainy seasons.
“As time goes by, community groups and farmers neighbouring our water and sewer treatment plants will be issued with more than 50, 000 seedlings to plant at their farms and riparian areas,” he observed.
Deforestation, he added, has affected many water companies as the firms lack adequate water to continuously supply to their customers.
The Director who is also Chairman of Water Service Providers Association (WASPA) noted that one way of mitigating climate change is through planting of trees and protection of rivers.
“Trees help in retention of water in the ground and as a company we have taken the exercise of planting trees which will be an annual event in effort to increase forest coverage especially in our county,” he added.
Speaking during the same occasion, WASPA Chief Executive Officer, Antony Ambogi challenged water companies to spearhead tree planting in their areas of jurisdiction.
He said Increase of forest cover in the country will ensure sustainability in provision of water to Kenyans.
“Rivers are drying up and if measures to mitigate climate change are not taken, water firms will lack the commodity to supply to their customers,” said Ambogi.
He lauded the tree planting exercise by Muwasco calling other water firms to support local communities in planting of trees.
On his part, Murang’a County Commissioner (CC), Mohammed Barre appreciated efforts by the water company, saying the move will help to achieve tree planting target issued by the President.
“As a county we have an obligation to plant more than 5 million seedlings annually and with this kind of help we will hit the given target,” noted Barre.
By Bernard Munyao
