Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner, Wilberforce Kilonzo has urged residents of Kisii to take personal responsibility in ensuring they prevent disasters that may be brought about by the anticipated El Nino rains.
Speaking at a public sensitization exercise on El Nino preparedness at the Kisii Main stage in Kisii town, Kilonzo encouraged the residents to unclog the drainages in their surroundings and cut down trees that are likely to pose danger during the heavy rains. “I am requesting the community members to liaise with the Kenya Forest Department to ensure that trees that might be affected by the rains are pruned or cut down,” he said.
The DCC noted the county had experienced cases of landslides and destruction of houses during heavy rainfall seasons some of which resulted to deaths.
Kilonzo encouraged residents to support those who will be affected by the El Nino rains and called for collaboration in order to save lives.
The Director of Municipality Services, Ronald Samani lauded the Disaster Management Committee in the county for putting structures in place to prevent catastrophes in the region.
Samani urged residents to practice safe disposal of waste at the household levels to prevent drainage blockages that can promote negative effects such as the spread of water-borne diseases and felling of trees.
“I am urging our people to be responsible for their deeds by managing the environment they live in so that we maintain a healthy county,” he noted.
On his part Matatu Workers Association Chairman, Samson Mose lauded the national and county governments for collaborating and sensitizing the matatu sector on ways of preparing for the Elnino rains.
He urged the drivers, especially those that ply long distance routes, to be careful on the road when the rains begin, to prevent injuries and loss of lives.
Besides the sensitization exercise, the team that included the national and county government officials, matatu workers, non-governmental organizations, and Kisii University and Kisii National Polytechnic students embarked on a cleaning exercise at the bus park.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s projection beginning October, most parts of the country are set to experience above-average rainfall in the next three months.
By Mercy Osongo
