Murang'a: A Murang'a water company has launched an environment conservation programme, 'Linda Mazigira' targeting to plant more than three million tree seedlings.
According to Kenya News Agency, in the programme, Murang'a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) is collaborating with other stakeholders from the county and among other organizations to distribute indigenous, fruit and ornamental tree seedlings to local communities.
Muwasco Managing Director Engineer Daniel Ng'ang'a said the programme aims to conserve the environment ensuring there is continuous access to water to be distributed to local households. 'In this programme, we will distribute more than 3 million seedlings to local communities. The trees will help to conserve the environment and restore water towers,' said Ng'ang'a when he launched the initiative at Maragua town.
He added that the initiative will run for five years aiming to enhance water conservation and environmental sustainability through afforestation and urban beautification efforts. 'The programme aligns with the government's directive to plant 15 billion tree seedlings by 2032. In support of this goal, MUWASCO, alongside other partners, will continue to distribute seedlings to local people,' added the MD.
Ng'ang'a further said the efforts are not only aimed at increasing tree cover but also at improving water conservation and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. He underscored the achievement his company has attained in supplying water to three wards in Murang'a south subcounty.
'Since Muwasco was given the mandate to supply water in parts of Maragua, the company has expanded its services significantly, growing to 3,000 water connections and serving three wards including Kabiti, Ichagaki, and Nginda,' he noted.
Ng'ang'a also observed that in the initiative they are focused on cleaning and beautifying Maragua Town, reinforcing the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. 'A crucial aspect of the programme is community involvement. Residents, especially those living along riverbanks, have been encouraged to plant trees as a way of conserving water sources and preventing soil erosion,' he averred.
To successfully realize the initiative, the MD said Muwasco has established tree nurseries where farmers can access free fruit and indigenous tree seedlings. 'Today we were beautifying our town and giving fruit trees to our farmers, but generally, we have encouraged the residents living along the river banks to plant trees. We are encouraging farmers to pick seedlings from our nurseries, and we have already begun distribution,' he stated.