Rachuonyo East Sub County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mr. Job Kemey has urged communities living along River Miriu to support Kengen to eradicate hippo grass.
The fast spreading grass is affecting access to River Miriu water both for animals and domestic use.
“Let’s help in ensuring hippo grass is eliminated, let’s come together as communities and end hippo grass,” he appealed.
The DCC was speaking during a public Baraza organized by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) to create awareness among Kodhoch West, Ramba and Kawour locations residents on the upcoming project to remove the hippo grass from the river.
At the same time the DCC warned people with rental houses directing waste water to the river to desist from the practice. He asked Chiefs and their assistants to be vigilant and discourage anybody washing vehicles and motorcycles along River Miriu
The warning came after community members living along the river complained of incessant health complications as a result of water pollution.
The DCC called on the residents along the river to work harmoniously with the contractor and Kengen Company to eliminate the hippo grass which has become a menace saying the removal of the weed will be beneficial to both the community and the company.
According to KenGen Company, Sondu intake community requested KenGen to remove hippo grass and desilt Sondu River due to the proliferation of an aquatic weed at the two banks of Sondu Miriu River from intake to a stretch of seven kilometers upstream blocking community access to water from the river.
The company also said the weed is also causing damage to KenGen filters which are costly to replace every year. Already, the company has awarded a tender for the removal of the weed and site handover has also been done.
According to the company‘s sensitization schedule, other locations involved in the exercise are Southwest Nyakach, Andingo –Kasaye, Oboch, West Nyakach and Kobuya locations in Nyakach sub county.
By Moseti Julius
