Deforestation of major water towers causing flooding, says environment officer

Deforestation is negatively impacting the country’s ecosystem at a very alarming rate.

According to Mr Bob Oguya, the Serena Hotels Environment Officer, unless this trend is checked, Kenya will pay dearly especially through lost revenue from tourism.

Speaking to the Nation, Mr Oguya said deforestation in the key water towers namely the Mau complex, the Aberdares, Cherangany hills and Mount Kenya has contributed to many problems such as flooding.

Citing the recent excessive flooding of Lake Nakuru, Mr Oguya said the rising water level in the lake is as a result of deforestation in the Mau Complex.

“The lake has become shallow because the polluted water overflows into it, since the Mau water tower lacks adequate numbers of trees to absorb the water,” he said.

LAKE NAKURU PARK

Lake Nakuru National Park is a major tourist attraction site being a main sanctuary to many bird species among them being the famous flamingos.

However, according to Mr Oguya, the polluted water affects the alkalinity of the lake which leads to a decline in planktons, on which the flamingos feed on.

This has led to a high rate of migration of the flamingos from the lake to other areas in search of food.

The environment officer said the flooded lake has also affected normal operations around the park with the roads to the park becoming impassable and tourists have to look for alternative roads to facilitate game drives.

Mr Oguya said Lake Elementaita which is home to the pelican bird is another major attraction for tourists.

However, flooding on the lake has prevented the pelicans from breeding.

The lake is served by the Aberderes water tower.

PELICANS

“Pelicans breed in small islands inside Lake Elementaita but the rocky islands have been submerged by the floods coming from the Aberdares.

This has led to a reduction of the birds, another adverse impact on the tourism sector,” he said.

He noted that tree planting is the solution to preserving the environment.

“Reforestation will reduce soil erosion, flooding and minimise the overflow of water pollutants into water bodies, keeping the water safe even for human consumption,” said Mr Oguya.

He called on Kenyans to embrace a culture of tree planting so as to preserve the natural heritage for ages to come.

“We all depend on nature and reforestation of our forest covers is the way to go since there will be hope of maintaining water supplies for future generations,” he said.