Kwale County Commissioner Mr. Michael Meru has directed Chiefs to ensure they set up tree nurseries to accelerate the government tree restoration programme that targets to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
The County Commissioner said that National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) will collaborate with the County Government in environmental conservation.
“We should cooperate with the County Government to improve our environment through tree planting to combat climate change effects, and the government has committed itself that 15 billion trees must be planted,” said the county commissioner in Shimoni.
He added: “For chiefs and assistant chiefs, this is a directive. We must start tree nurseries in our offices and plant trees in our compounds and at all public utilities. When citizens come to your offices, you can give them a tree seedling for them to plant in their homes.”
The CC urged chiefs who have not started the tree campaign to commence before he visits their offices for supervision. “The government directive must be implemented,” he said.
On the Shimoni Fishing Port, the County Commissioner advised the Kenya Ports Authority to speed up the construction so that the fishermen could benefit.
“The government has a well-laid-out plan to make sure citizens get services; as civil servants, it’s our responsibility to ensure we support this project for the locals to benefit,” he said, adding that the project will open up Shimoni for investment and job opportunities for the youth.
The County Commissioner urged locals to take part in public participation meetings so that their voices could be heard and incorporated into the final reports.
“The locals must be involved to give their views so that when the project commences they are not left behind; we should move together. This is a legitimate government elected by the people and must serve the people,” he said.
Chiefs, he added, have a responsibility to disseminate government information in their locations. “When you read the constitution of Kenya, it stipulates that power belongs to the people. Citizens must be involved; when you are called for public participation, you should heed the call,” noted the CC.
By Sadik Hassan
