adminTHE Kairezi Catchment Council held its belated World Water Day commemorations last Friday, amid rampant destruction of water bodies and contamination of rivers through alluvial gold panning and agricultural activities in the district.
The council took time to raise awareness on integrated water resources management and sustainable development in the resort area.
“People need to be educated on the consequences of irresponsible use of water.
“The Nyamombe Bridge would not have been swept away had there been no stream bank cultivation along Nyamombe River.
“Logs clogged the tunnels forcing the flowing water to destroy the bridge.
“Rwenya Bridge was also destroyed by gold panners who were digging the supporting pillars in search of the precious minerals.
“The periodic cholera outbreaks in Nyanga are also a result of polluted rivers upstream.
“With this background, people should come to an understanding of the benefits of managing water bodies wisely,” said Kairezi Catchment Council co-ordinator Mr Cuthbert Nyakungu.
The co-ordinator also said they were busy trying to alleviate the situation in the Tangwena area where there is serious cutting down of trees, stream bank cultivation and veld fires through awareness campaigns.
The council was named after the Kairezi River which is the largest river in the catchment area.
Online Reporter