Kenya: Harvest Rain Water, Narok Residents Told

-April 28, 2011

The residents of Narok have been told to practice rain water harvesting.

Water Management Resources Authority Narok official Jared Anekeyah said the massive investment in drinking water and sanitation infrastructure will reduce diseases like cholera, malaria and typhoid. Speaking to the press yesterday in his Narok office, Anekeyah said the access to fresh water is one of the challenges the world is facing.

"We should encourage the harvesting of rain water and preserving natural systems such as forests and wetlands which could help to filter waste water that is not treated," said Anekeyah. He added that although the access to safe water is gradually improving, one in four urban dwellers do not access to safe drinking water.

He noted that due to poor distribution of surface waters and not properly regulated the exploitation of under ground water reservoirs it may lead to depletion. "The best way is to invest in drinking water and sanitation infrastructure by turning new and innovative engineering solutions particular to address the greener infrastructure," said Anekeyah.

The water official said due to poor distribution of surface waters, the focus is now shifting to exploitation of underground water reservoirs which, if not properly regulated may lead to depletion. "We need to move towards greener water and sanitation projects such as rainwater collection to keep pace with booming urban populations. The access to safe drinking water and sanitation has not matched massive population growth," he said.

Source: all Africa.com