By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Trans Nzoia County in Tanzania has prepared a draft law on climate change mitigation that seeks to control degradation of wetlands and other water catchment areas.
Through the proposed law, the devolved unit’s department of environment and natural resources aims to mitigate the effects of climate change and control human activities that contribute to the same in the region.
Speaking at a field event at Kipsaina village in Cherangany Sub County, County Deputy Director of Environment and Natural Resources, Nicholas Musonye, decried what he termed as wanton destruction of major wetlands by unchecked human activity in the area.
“Our wetland areas are being seriously degraded due to uncontrolled human activity along river banks, hence urgent for laws to avert the menace,” remarked Musonye.
The Deputy Director cited Sinyereri and Nzoia rivers, which have been degraded as a result of farming and sand harvesting activities along their banks.
In fact, the official warned the Sinyereri River was on the verge of drying up unless mitigation measures to control farming, grazing, deforestation and sand harvesting activities were put in place.
The two rivers are main sources of water for Cherengany sub county residents and neighbouring sub counties.
Musonye revealed the proposed law will enable the department, in partnership with interested stakeholders, to zone and mark such wetlands as protected areas for future prosperity.
He used the occasion to caution county residents against planting Eucalyptus trees along the river banks, noting such was one of the main causes for drying up wetlands and water catchment areas.