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Vihiga Residents Urged To Protect Water Sources

Vihiga Governor Dr Wilber Ottichilo has appealed to residents to stop growing exotic trees in water catchment areas in order to preserve the water sources. Ottichilo lamented that the planting of the high-water-consuming eucalyptus tree species near the streams and in wetlands had made them dry up leading to environmental degradation. The county head spoke while commissioning the Gaga water project in Gisambai area in Hamisi sub county in commemoration of the World Water Day on Wednesday. The project has a production capacity of 120,000 litres per day and will serve more than 2,000 households in Gisambai and North Maragoli Wards. ‘We are encouraging the planting of indigenous trees which are environment-friendly in an effort to protect the ecosystem,’ he asserted. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every household has access to clean and safe water in the next five years. The county boss revealed that harnessing of solar power was on going to pump the water to overhead reservoirs as a measure to cut down on operational costs as well as conserving the environment. He also launched the works on the Emanyinya water project in the Central Bunyore location which is expected to be completed in two months. ‘The department of water is undertaking the last mile water connectivity in a bid to boost accessibility to piped water by the residents,’ he said. The Emanyinya water Project has started sinking boreholes in schools and so far, they have completed three against the target of 31 by the end of the year.

Source: Kenya News Agency