The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has warned property owners within Murang’a County who have developed a tendency of releasing raw sewer into rivers that they risk prosecution.
Murang’a County NEMA Director Sarah Waruo said they have received several complaints from residents concerning contamination of some rivers due to raw sewer.
On Thursday during a cleanup exercise to mark Mazingira Day at Murang’a town, Waruo cited Murare River which cuts across the town which severally has been contaminated putting the lives of residents who live downstream at risk of contracting waterborne diseases.
The NEMA director however noted that during the past rainy season, a sewer line was destroyed leading to overflowing of raw sewer into the river, a problem which was rectified.
“Some residential house owners have been releasing raw sewage into rivers. This is an offence and those behind the criminal activities will be prosecuted,” said Waruo.
She added, “Some months back, the pollution at river Murare was caused by a malfunctioning sewage trunk which was damaged by the heavy rains, leading to a leakage that contaminated the river.
The sewage trunk was washed away by the heavy rains and so, during the repairs, there was the issue of leakage from the sewage trunk to the river.
Waruo noted that NEMA, alongside other stakeholders, quickly responded, stopped sewage flow, and flushed the river with clean water.
She emphasised that NEMA is now working closely with the Water Resources Management Authority and local community groups to prevent further dumping and monitor hot spots for illegal waste disposal.
“We are working closely with stakeholders along the river together with the Water Resources Management Authority to ensure that there is nobody dumping any waste or any sewage into the river,” she added.
Assistant County Commissioner David Kasyoka from the office of the county commissioner raised concerns about increased dumping in streams which could lead to outbreaks of diseases like cholera.
Kasyoka underscored the government’s efforts to create awareness about proper waste disposal and the importance of using designated bins provided by the county government.
“We are committed and will continue creating awareness on environmental conservation so that people can stay free from diseases,” he said.
Murang’a Forest Conservator Eunice Njoroge, announced that the Kenya Forest Service will donate seedlings to local residents who own land and are committed to reforestation efforts.
She said this initiative will help the county to achieve its target of planting 13 million trees annually.
“During the rainy season, we will donate seedlings to residents who have a piece of land and are committed to reforestation. We urge the residents to ensure they seek advice from our offices on the best tree species to plant on their farms,” stated Ms Njoroge.
Nominated MCA Gladys Wambui highlighted the importance of conserving wetland areas and practicing safe agriculture.
She cautioned against planting fruit trees in wetlands, warning that harmful chemical accumulation in such areas could pose health risks through the consumption of food grown there.
“When harmful chemicals accumulate in wetlands, they pose health risks through consumption of food planted in these areas,” she noted.
Wambui also donated tree seedlings to the County Assembly in support of this year’s theme, ‘Our Environment, Our Life, Our Responsibility.’
By Bernard Munyao and Anjilwa Francis
