NAKURU,Kenya,Nov, 8 – Several infrastructure projects hailed as ‘game changers’ in Nakuru county are expected to improve the economic fortunes of the region and the country at large.
Stakeholders in Naivasha have however expressed concern that the price of development might also affect resident’s source of livelihood. For instance, the source of water along the Lake Naivasha basin is at risk according to residents.
They say that several projects including the Industrial park, Rironi-Mau Summit expressway, Inland Container Depot threaten the local sources of water.
“These projects will definitely offer employment opportunities for our youths but there are fears that this could in future affect water quality and quantity,” said Enock Kiminta,chairperson,Lake Naivasha Water Resource Users Association.
The stakeholders have called for further environmental studies to establish the full effects of the state projects.
Naivasha has been identified as a water-scarce-basin and heavily relies on water supply from the neighboring Nyandarua County.
While launching their five year strategic plan that seeks to address issues of water and conservation, Kiminita further said that issues of water conflict, governance and even pollution must be addressed forthwith.
“Pollution is a major challenge in this basin mainly due to the poor sewer system and mushrooming of informal settlements,” he said.
The area heavily relies on tourism and fishing from various water bodies as its highest sources of revenue.
Water Resources Authority, Rift Valley Region Director David mum said that despite the projects in the area consuming a lot of water, feasibility studies have since been conducted with emphasis being put on conserving existing sources of water.
“The upcoming projects that include the Rironi-Mau Summit dual-carriage will use a lot of water but that will have minimal effects on the water sources,” he said.
The authority has also moved in to gazette areas designated as riparian land amidst encroachers in the area.
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