DC: Water harvesters may drain Lake Naivasha

By Karanja Njoroge from the East African Standand, Sept. 21, 2002

Lake Naivasha could dry up due to the unchecked harvest of water for irrigation, Nakuru DC, Mr Aggrey Mudinyu, has warned.

He said the lake might be completely depleted in the next five years if the trend is allowed to continue.

The DC ordered floriculture farmers around the lake to install meters at intake points for the Government to monitor the rate of consumption per farm.

He warned that action could be taken against farmers who are pumping water from River Malewa which is the only tributary.

Mudinyu blamed area residents for destroying water catchment areas through logging and charcoal burning.

The DC, who was addressing a leaders meeting at the Naivasha Council Chambers, urged all stakeholders to exploit the resource with restraint.

"Researchers from the Kenya Marines and Fisheries Research Institute (Kemri) should also investigate chemical pollution in the lake and its affect on fish stock," he said.

The secretary of the Lake Naivasha Riparian Association (LNRA), Mrs Sarah Higgins, said there was destruction of vegetation along the shores by illegal fishermen.

The DC said some boreholes have been sunk near toilets or sewerage posing health dangers to the public. Separately, poor treatment at intake points coupled with numerous sewer bursts is to blame for persistent water contamination in Kisumu city, reports Alfred Oduor.

Kisumu District Public Health Officer (PHO), Mr John Moro, said several burst sewer pipes within the city centre have not been repaired for several weeks.

He said a burst sewer at Arina estate has formed a river of filth which flows into the residential area.