Lake Nakuru. The county government to start a clean up exercise of lakes in Nakuru and Naivasha. [Photo/boscosafari.co.ke]
Lakes in Nakuru County and Naivasha that have been heavily polluted over the years are set to be cleaned by the World Bank and the Nakuru County government.
Continued pollution of the lakes poses a great danger to the wildlife and a threat to the lakes as the waste is an eyesore to tourists.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said waste generated from Nakuru’s town centre and the neighbouring estates is swept into the lake.
Speaking on Thursday as the teams visited Lake Nakuru, Kinyanjui said the project will save wildlife and ensure provision of clean water for wildlife as continued pollution of the lake has led to massive migration of flamingos.
People living near the lakes have been blamed for the pollution as water in Lake Nakuru has been contaminated with raw sewage and poisonous chemicals.
“The existence of these two lakes, in very proximity to towns with huge and growing populations, is a threat to the delicate ecosystem.”
“We are also considering the establishment of an independent body to manage the two critical water resources and also Lake Elementaita,” added the governor.
The bank through its Sanitation Technical Assistance Mission, will seek to sensitise residents living around the lakes on the importance of preserving the water bodies.
The bank will also address the issue of sanitation in areas with poor hygiene to prevent further pollution of the lakes.
The county will also involve stakeholders to ensure business and human activities conducted in and around the lake do not affect the wildlife.