By Roselyne Obala
Lack of awareness on laws governing the water sector is a major impediment in enforcement of regulations.
Offenders evade prosecution as a result of inadequate understanding on water rules and guidelines by prosecutors and Judiciary.
Mr Wangai Ndirangu, network manager at Water Capacity Building Network noted that those who flout the rules go scot free.
“Judicial officers dismiss cases when the prosecution fails to present enough evidence,” he noted. Ndirangu said the disconnect has created room for the vice to thrive.
“The prosecutors do not carry out in-depth investigation because they are not knowledgeable on environmental laws and its impact in society,” he said. “Prosecutors need to undergo capacity building training to be empowered to nail the offenders,” he reiterated.
He argued that when law enforcers understand the issues, it will enable environmentalist to have law breakers apprehended and prosecuted. “The public should report on conflict matters from use of water,” he added.
