Residents of Kabazi and Menengai West wards in Nakuru County, have maintained that they will not allow the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to drill 5 wells in their farms citing environmental concerns.
Speaking on Saturday during a meeting attended by GDC Director Kamau Kuria, the locals argued that the move is ill-advised as it will render them homeless, besides the environmental effect.
The residents said the plan is being implemented without the involvement of the community in the area, yet the drilling might have health related complications to their lives.
Led by Harun Toroitich, the locals said they are fighting against; GDC drilling 5 wells ,Sossian Energy drilling company and a Private Indian investor who has been given on okay to prospect in the area.
“We have 3 major issues that we are fighting against as locals in this area and we shall not tire until we see justice served,” said Toroitich.
Under their umbrella group ‘Menengai West Stakeholders Forum’, the locals have written a petition to NEMA seeking for the project be halted, and an Environmental Impact Assessment be done based on the concerns raised.
Some of their concerns include; fear for their health, being rendered homeless and displaced, loss of vegetation and wildlife habitat, damage to the landscape, loss of culture, and noise control.
Speaking during the Saturday meeting, GDC Director Kamau Kuria assured locals that their concerns will be addressed, adding that GDC will follow all set procedures.
"As GDC we shall wait for the Environmental Impact Assessment Report from NEMA before we commence drilling. If they say no then we shall respect that "said Kuria.
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