Vihiga Deputy Governor (DG) Wilberforce Kitiezo has led residents of a wetland in Wakikuyu area, North Maragoli location in planting 1,500 bamboo seedlings in commemoration of the World Wetlands Day.
Kitiezo, who was accompanied by the County Executive for environment and water resources Dr. Richard Boiyo, said the bamboo species is environment-friendly and would help conserve the North Maragoli location wetlands.
The Deputy Governor urged people who have planted eucalyptus trees along the rivers and streams to uproot them as they had led to drying up of the water sources.
“We are urging the people to replace the eucalyptus species, which are heavy water feeders, with the environment-friendly indigenous ones in a bid to protect the natural ecosystem,” he observed.
On his part, Dr. Boiyo highlighted the resolve of the county government to promote environmental conservation efforts fostering tree planting as well as practicing contour farming in sloppy areas.
The county executive added that they are partnering with organizations including Kenya Power, Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) and Friends of River Ezava (FOREZAVA) to actualize the cause of sustained environmental protection.
By Sammy Mwibanda
