The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has partnered with the Kisii County Government and other environmental organisations to clean up River Nyakomisaro in Kisii town as a build-up activity towards the commemoration of the World Environmental Day slated for June 5.
Speaking to KNA during the activity, NEMA Board Member Mr. Amos Andama said the clean-up of the river is meant to set an example to the community members so that they can take up the cleaning of all rivers within the county.
Andama noted the solid wastes and sewage that are directed towards the river have greatly contributed to the contamination of the water leading to the contracting of diseases by humans.
The Director challenged the community members to take part in the conservation of the environment adding that no one will do it for them.
Kitutu Central Deputy County Commissioner, Elizabeth Atemi said they had agreed as a community to focus on cleaning the river because access to clean water ensures that the community members are healthy.
Atemi urged the residents to continue embracing waste segregation by separating biodegradable waste from other solid waste like plastics that highly contribute to the pollution of the environment.
In line with this year’s World Environmental Day 2023 theme of beating plastic pollution, the DCC pointed out that they will mount an operation in the county to impound all the plastic bags that have been sneaked into business premises so that they can end the menace of plastic bags.
She encouraged the residents of Kisii County to be at the forefront in undertaking various environmental activities including the planting of indigenous tree seedlings as part of the efforts towards achieving 30 percent tree cover and 15 billion trees across the country by 2030.
A spot check by KNA revealed that some sections of River Nyakomisaro have been heavily polluted by plastics and direct disposal of raw sewage.
The World Environmental Day 2023 celebrations in Kisii are set to be marked at Gusii stadium on Monday where discussions around the protection of the environment will be held.
By Ongwae Julius
