Following the ban on logging of trees by the national government, coffin prices in Kisumu have doubled forcing residents to seek alternatives for sending off their loved ones.
The carpenters in the region noted that timber has become a rare commodity, hence the increase in prices of coffins.
The increase in coffin prices ha elicited mixed reaction among residents with some noting that they will seek different alternatives of burying the dead.
“Death is a very painful thing and having to pat with double money again is another pain and adds salt to the already existing wounds. The carpenters who take part in this very important role in the society should not take advantage of the situation at hand,” Timothy Omondi, one of the residents explained.
“It is time we look for alternatives and not having to bury our loved ones using coffins. We can opt for cremation and it’s high time the governor of Kisumu set up a cremation place so that we don’t spoil the environment,” another resident, Gilbert Sudi noted.
“We shall go the way of Wangari Mathai when dealing with this. We are in support on the ban on logging and we should seek the alternatives of burying other than using coffins,” Wilfred Chemase opined.
A section of residents, however, noted that the county government should offer an alternative form of burying so as to minimize environmental destruction.
“The national government should come up with alternative ways of burying our dead since they are the people who imposed the ban on logging. I believe they knew that we depend on trees for making coffins. They have created a problem and they should also find a solution,” stated Terry Mbogo, a resident of the area.