Kilifi county to do away with dumpsites in towns
Kilifi county government plans to eliminate all illegal dumpsites and those within tourist zones to enable residents to live in a suitable environment.
According to the nominee, County Executive member for Environment and Water, Omar Said Omar, the move aims to ensure residents and tourists in the county stay in a clean environment which he says is only achievable by avoiding reckless dumping sites within the restricted area.
Speaking during the Malindi monthly clean-up exercise organized by the Progress Welfare Association of Malindi (PWAM), Omar emphasized the importance of a clean environment and swore to eliminate all the dumping sites within the town and near tourist hotels.
“We will create a program, a detailed strategy, and a road map to make sure that there are no dumpsites in any of the town centres, as our communities should be clean.”
The CEC stated that efforts are being made to build a recycling facility for the county. However, he disclosed that a similar program existed under the previous administration but had not yet begun.
“The key concern is to ensure there is waste reduction and effective recycling of garbage. If we can’t reduce, then we reuse. If we can’t reuse, then we recycle the waste,” he said.
Omar said he was delighted by the stakeholders’ initiative and praised it, adding that a clean environment will ensure the marine ecosystem thrives in a healthy and safe place.
“As a county, the community effort impresses us in the clean-up exercise, especially the involvement of the children and we assure you of our support," he said.
PHOTO/ Alice Matembo
He noted they have already identified a young boy who would be the county environmental youth ambassador who will champion living in a clean and healthy environment.
Senior Sgt Abu Bocha from the KWS Malindi marine National Park said for the first time they are pleased to be recommended by a CEC for the environment for the work they have been doing in cleaning the environment.
According to Bocha, the collaboration with all parties involved has helped to safeguard marine life in the ocean and clean up the resort town.
“We have corals, which need a lot of cleanliness. If plastic garbage gets into the ocean, it will destroy the corals and stop fish from breeding. Endangered species, like turtles, often perish when there is plastic in the water, so keeping the environment clean will help to safeguard them. “Bocha said.
The Chairperson of PWAM Kate Mwikali said more stakeholders are joining in for the monthly cleanup, which is impacting the cleanliness.
She said the Media and European Business University have been supportive in ensuring the success of the clean up which has helped them know one of the agenda of first lady Racheal Ruto’s agendas for women to be at the forefront of climate action.
According to her, in Malindi already women are making products from recycling materials.
“We already have a foundation in Malindi where women are recycling trash and we are lucky a European Business University has offered scholarships for courses that teach students about business sustainability,” she said.
Malindi Sub County Assistant County Commissioner Judith Mulei who was representing the national government in the clean-up activity said they were happy to be making headway in the monthly clean-up activity as many people were coming on board to participate.
“A clean marine ecosystem is important and is in line with the plans for the blue economy agenda,” she said.
