By Samuel Sitati
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii is keen on increasing forest cover and protecting water catchment areas to increase the water supply for county residents.
Speaking to stakeholders and residents at Kimuri dam during the World Water Day Celebrations, Edward Sawe, the Agriculture County Executive Committee Member (CECM) while representing Governor Bii, urged the local community to plant trees as this will help to improve and sustain water sources.
“And as we plant these trees, let us ensure that they grow to maturity for us to avert the climate change crisis,” added Sawe.
According to Chief Officer Water Ambrose Tarus, the Kimuri water project which draws water from the Kimuri dam, upon completion, will supply water to over 460 households and public facilities for both irrigation and domestic use.
“As ELDOWAS, we are passionate about conservation through tree planting to achieve sustainable water supply,” added Fredrick Kosgei, ELDOWAS General Manager for Commercial Services.
The County plans to implement over 120 water projects across the county this financial year and distribute water to over 75 per cent of residents in the next 5 years.
This year’s World Water Day theme is ‘Accelerating Change to solve water and Sanitation Crisis’.
Present at the Kimuri dam site were Chief Officers Mary Kerich (Environment), Elijah Koech (Agriculture) Director Water Stephen Barno, Director Administration Erastus Kerich, and officials from the National Government, Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture among other key water stakeholders.
