Minister decries increased pollution of river

BY KIPCHUMBA KEMEI

Environment Minister Chirau Mwakwere has expressed concern over pollution of Narok River.

Mwakwere also took issue with a dumpsite emitting solid and liquid waste into the river, endangering lives of people and animals living downstream.

“Many people in far-flung areas depend on this river. Pollution endangers lives of those who use its water for domestic consumption,” said Mwakwere.

He asked Narok Town Council to relocate the dumpsite as a short-term measure. The minister also said plastic and polythene disposal was worrying and challenged Kenyans to ensure the environment is clean.

Mwakwere, who was accompanied by National Environment Management Authority Director Geoffrey Wakhungu, was speaking in Narok yesterday during an inspection of the dumpsite.

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conservation of environment

“Change of land use is accelerating desertification. Residents should plant trees to conserve the environment,” he added.

He said his ministry would assist Narok Town Council to tackle perennial flooding that has in the past claimed lives and property.

The minister added there was need to incorporate other partners in conservation of the environment. Residents asked the minister to press the Government to evict the remaining Mau Forest settlers, lamenting that their continued stay poses a threat to survival of the eco-system.