As the world marks the World Environment Day today, Mombasa County Government has endeavored to prioritize sensitization of conservationism and behavioural change among residents to deal with issues surrounding preservation of the environment.
Speaking during the commemoration fete themed solutions to plastic pollution held in Tudor Ward, Deputy Governor (DG) Francis Thoya said since the new dispensation came to power, matters of the environment have been at the core of its mandate.
Thoya said the last six months have seen tremendous improvement in sanitation in areas that were previously synonymous with garbage hauls, including the VOK grounds, and other declared illegal dumping sites cleared up with alternative designated areas allocated for proper disposal of waste.
He added that the county government has provided adequate resources and infrastructure ranging from provision of garbage trucks to man power in an effort to mitigate the scourge but a change in the ethos and habits of residents in environmental management will deal with the garbage question conclusively.
“The administration has worked tirelessly in a short span of time to resolve the garbage situation in the county but we have realized there is a habitual problem that has plagued our people when it comes to waste disposal and management,” said Thoya.
“There is dire need for sensitization and as a government, we want to bring the community to be at the centre of waste management. Through the youth-led initiatives like Mombasa yetu, residents will embrace culture change in waste disposal, resulting in a cleaner Mombasa,” he added.
Thoya also hinted at the prospect of the County Government developing material recycling facilities that will assist in resolving the plastic menace that has inadvertently affected the environment especially the marine life.
He also declared every second day of the month a clean-up day in all 30 wards in the county, a move that he will personally spearhead as he doubles up as the County Executive Member (CECM) in charge of Environment and Solid waste management.
“Starting July henceforth, every second day of each month will be a clean-up day in the county. These are some of the solutions we’ve sought with the help of authorities like NEMA to reduce the amount of garbage, especially plastic, flowing into the ocean,” said Thoya.
In the cleanup exercise, Thoya noted that all the 30 wards would participate in a bid to ensure community involvement in environmental conservation.
The DG also cautioned residents that have encroached on part of the ocean front in the Moroto area in Tudor to move away and avert the imminent danger occasioned by the rising water levels.
By Chari Suche andAndrew Hinga
