Governor Wavinya Ndeti has asked Machakos residents to desist from cutting down trees for charcoal burning, terming it as the major cause of environmental degradation.
Speaking at Kwa Mboo Primary School in Kinanie, Athiriver Sub-County where she led a tree planting drive to mark the World Environment Day, the governor warned that environment vandals will be dealt with in accordance with the existing laws.
“I have given firm instructions to the county directorate of environment, and we are working with the National Government and other agencies to stop the destruction of our environment through cutting down of trees,” Wavinya said adding that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.
She said her Government was keen on supporting policies and programs aimed at promoting clean energy.
“I also call upon schools and other institutions of learning to come on board and back up our efforts through spearheading tree growing across the county,” said the Governor.
She said the negative effects of climate change that manifest in erratic weather patterns such as the flooding witnessed recently was a wake up call for sobriety in environmental management.
The Governor was flanked by the County Water, Environment and Climate Change executive committee member, Catherine Mutanu and Athiriver DCC Patrick Mwangi.
