The Uasin Gishu County Assembly Committee for Water, Environment, Tourism and Wildlife management has expressed concerns over deforestation at Kaptagat forest, a key water catchment area for Elgarini dam.
According to the committee chair Hillary Ronoh, the forest is now in a deplorable condition.
"As a committee, we are really disappointed with how the forest is being depleted despite it being the major water catchment area. We call for the arrest of individuals involved in the cutting down of trees with immediate effect," he said after touring the forest, Tuesday.
"I call for urgent reafforestation and fencing of the forest and the dam so as to end the current water shortage experienced in Eldoret town. In this financial year, we have prioritized in the provision of water services to residents, we will ensure that everyone access to clean piped water," he added.
Eldoret town currently relies on water from Chebara dam which is not enough for residents but with the completion of Elgarini project, there will be increased production of water.
"Eldoret town and its environs require 50,000 cubic meters of water per day for everyone to get water but as per now it only receives 36,000 cubic meters," noted Ronoh.
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