Construction of Sh300m waterfront will kill Lake Naivasha, experts warn

Birds perch on top of a submerged structure in Lake Naivasha following a sharp rise in water levels in various water bodies in Nakuru County. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Stakeholders and environmental experts have expressed reservations over the planned construction of a Sh300 million waterfront in Lake Naivasha.

They said the multi-million project by the national government would have adverse effects on the lake's fragile ecosystem.

The government has already allocated funds for the waterfront, which is expected to boast tourism activities.

The move comes barely a month after some groups opposed the move to construct Malewa Dam in the Aberdares, saying this could kill the troubled water body.

According to the chairman of Lake Naivasha Water Resources Users Association (Lanarua) Enock Kiminta, the waterfront was a great idea but its implementation could hurt the lake.

He said the lake's levels fluctuate depending on the rains, saying it would be hard to ensure the waterfront does not interfere with the lake’s ecosystem.

“An environmental impact assessment should be done before this project is carried out. Our fear is the project will negatively affect the lake,” he said.

Speaking during a tour of the lake, Mr Kiminta said vegetation around the lake had been wiped out due to encroachment by farmers and pastoralists.

SIEVES WASTE

“Construction of the waterfront would see the lake lose more of the vegetation, which sieves waste from nearby estates and dirt washed by floods,” he said.

The sentiments were echoed by Francis Muthui, chairman Friends of Lake Naivasha, who said the lake was currently under a lot of pressure.

He said that the planned waterfront, Malewa dam and opening of more corridors could end up killing the lake that supports thousands of families directly and indirectly.

Muthui said that currently, waste from the Naivasha sewerage treatment plant and nearby informal estates were finding their way into the lake.

“We should first focus on addressing the challenges facing the lake instead of creating more which will end up hurting this critical resource,” he said.

Chairman Lake Naivasha Landscape Association Paul Ruoya called for consultations and proper environmental research before capital projects are carried out to save and protect the lives of hundreds around the lake.

“If all the projects are implemented, there will be lots of negative implications around the lake and this will lead to job losses in all sectors,” he said.