Tana River County Forest Conservator Mr. Jaffer Galole has cautioned the residents of Tana Delta Sub County against charcoal burning in the area.
Speaking at Oda Secondary School in Garsen Division during the International Day of Forests, the Conservator said charcoal production and the rampant destruction of forests contribute to drought and desertification in the area.
Galole identified areas of Hurara, Kibusu and Garsen as the major places whereby charcoal production has increased, asking the National Government Administrators such as Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs to support the Kenya Forest Service personnel in reducing the cases of charcoal burning in the area.
During the event, a total of 100 tree seedlings were planted at Oda Secondary School compound where over 500 tree seedlings were to be planted but due to severe water shortage only the 100 tree seedlings were planted.
He also said, “Water shortage has been a great challenge to Kenya Forest Service in Tana River County in its effort to plant more tree seedlings adding that many seedlings are planted but they dry up due to severe water shortage.”
Speaking at the same event, Assistant County Commissioner Tana Delta, Mr. Fredrick Murigi asked the area resident to plant many tree seedlings because it is by forests that more rainfall could be experienced in the area.
Murigi called on the chiefs to ensure that cases of charcoal burning are not taking place in their locations because it was part of their performance contract target.
He also asked parents to take their children to school saying many children are seen roaming about. He added that parents of those children will be arrested for their failure to take their children to school.
He also cautioned against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation saying it is retarding education standards of young girls in school.
By Simon Guruba
