Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has slammed his critics opposed to the greening and rehabilitation of Nyayo Gardens at a tune of Sh80 million.
Critics had raised concerns on the same with an argument that the county had misplaced priorities since there were many issues facing the residents of Nakuru other than the rehabilitating the stadium.
However, addressing the press on Wednesday during the official launch of the Nyayo Gardens rehabilitation project, the county chief hit out at the critics for not being keen on matters of the environment.
While calling on the locals to embrace the greening initiative being spearheaded by his government, the governor stated that matters of the environment is and will always remain a priority even as Nakuru looks forward to becoming a city.
“I know when we said we want to make this place better we received criticism from some quotas stating that it is not a priority. But I want to state here that matters of environment will always remain a priority,” said Kinyanjui.
The governor revealed that the same program shall be initiated in Naivasha, Molo, Gilgil and other sub-counties. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to give their views on what they want to be incorporated in the rehabilitated Nyayo Gardens.
This, the governor noted, will be made possible through the public portal that will be prepared through the Ministry of Environment.
“The same will be applied in Naivasha, Molo, Gilgil and other places. We will also be opening a public portal to enable members of the public to give their views on what they would like to have in the park” said Kinyanjui.
Kinyanjui issued a stern warning to those with the habit of littering the environment.
“The issue of littering garbage anywhere will create more problems to our environment especially with the onset of rains. Let us all use the drop off points” he said.
He called on property owners and shops in Nakuru to ensure that there are garbage bins outside their premises in order to ensure a clean environment.
The function was also attended by Nakuru County CECs led by Environment CEC Eng.Festus Ng’eno as well as Chief Officer for Environment Mr.Kiogora Mureithi and Biashara Ward MCA Peter Njoroge.
Besides Nyayo Gardens, the County government of Nakuru is also in the process of renovating Afraha Stadium and Nakuru Level 5 hospital.