Limuru sub-county environment Officer has urged public service officials to involve community members in development projects to enhance effectiveness of the projects.
Speaking from her office today, Damaris Muchene said the only sure way to see the realisation of county projects is if the members of the public are part of them.
Muchene said that involvement often creates a sense of responsibility among community members, which in turn makes them, feel obliged to ensure the projects get done in excellent manner.
She said that this strategy makes the common citizen own the project being undertaken and will safeguard it for a long time.
Giving an example with social amenities, Muchene pointed out that if casual labourers are sourced from the community, many locals will use the facility as they helped in establishing it.
She also emphasised that this gives the community a sense of belonging as they can identify with the development around them and not feel like they are being forced on them.
She encouraged public officials to consider public-private partnerships in undertaking projects citing that these sectors are interdependent and have potential of making change in society if they work together.
She pointed out that in-sourcing services for development makes the resource materials easily available and the labour will be provided at cheaper costs.
She added that this helps provide employment for the locals and help in the nurturing of skills among local residents.
The environmental department is currently working with officers drawn from the local residents who are in charge of collection of wastes from residential areas.
This has seen the sub-county being left spotless as residents are monitored by their own neighbours and friends.