Kisii County senator Sam Ongeri has refuted claims by Environment Cs Keriako Tobiko that clearing of 120 acres of Nyangweta forest will affect the forest cover.
According to Ongeri, Tobiko has no powers to stop the construction of a sugar factory in South Mugirango.
The ODM senator said Tobiko is only interested in protecting forests as locals suffer in villages struggling with poverty.
“Tobiko should stop misleading Kisii residents that clearing 120 acres in Nyangweta forest for the construction of a sugar factory in South Mugirango will end the forest cover. Our people need development and not protecting trees in bushes which will take years to improve the lives of the people,” he said.
Ongeri stated that once a sugar factory will be constructed in South Mugirango the economy of Kisii region will improve, more jobs will be created and farmers will get to enjoy profits because they will be selling sugarcane directly to the factory.
“Farmers will not be exploited by brokers once the construction of the factory will be complete because the growers from Bonchari, South Mugirango, and other surrounding regions will be selling their canes directly to the factory without involving brokers,” he added.
Our people will not be poor just because of protecting the forest.
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