Meru’s River Mariara drying up as logging continues
Members of the Meru County Assembly Environment committee during a recent visit of River Mariara in Central Imenti. There are fears the river may soon dry up completely due to massive logging on its catchment area. PHOTO | KENNEDY KIMANTHI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Environmentalists have blamed massive logging and clearing of wetlands for agriculture.
- Huge plantations of eucalyptus trees along the banks have also been blamed for the low water levels in the river.
- Deputy Governor Raphael Muriungi has called for urgent intervention to save the water source from further degradation.
- Mr Muriungi noted that the county’s environment is under stress from increased human activities and a rapidly growing population
An major river in Meru County may soon dry up due to massive destruction of trees around its catchment area.
Environmentalists have blamed massive logging and clearing of wetlands for agriculture to the dwindling River Mariara in Central Imenti Sub-County.
Huge plantations of eucalyptus trees along the banks have also been blamed for the low water levels in the river.
The worrying state of the river has also caught the eye of the county government, with Deputy Governor Raphael Muriungi calling for urgent intervention to save the water source from further degradation.
“Illegal activities in the catchment areas are threatening the survival of wildlife and people who depend on this river. If no measures are taken, then Mariara will disappear very soon,” warned Mr Muriungi.
The county boss was speaking at Sirmon Mixed Day Secondary School in Buuri Sub-County where he led the youth in planting trees in environment conservation efforts.
ENVIRONMENT UNDER STRESS
Mr Muriungi noted that the county’s environment is under stress from increased human activities and a rapidly growing population and called for the formulation of policies that will bolster environmental conservation.
He further said that glaciers atop Mt Kenya have disappeared due to the devastating effects of global warming.
“As a county government we will do our part and ensure that conservation efforts are supported and sustained in order to increase forest cover and reduce human activities that deplete water sources in Meru,” said Mr Muriungi.
A team of mountain climbers will camp on Mt Kenya for the next three days to raise awareness about climate change.
Mr Moses Muturi of Nyeri Youth Mountain Climbers Association said global warming was real.
“From what we have observed over the years, the levels of glaciers are declining and it in view of is this that we ask responsible authorities, Kenyans included to play their part to conserve our environment,” said Mr Mwaura.
An official from the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Mr Macdonald Oguya called for concerted efforts from various stakeholders to guarantee sustainable environmental conservation.
“We require a multi-stakeholder approach to achieve conservation targets,” he said.
