Floods.
As heavy rains continue pounding various parts of the country, Kirinyaga County Government has intensified its flood mitigation measures in the lowland’s areas of Mwea to cushion farmers against losses incurred during the deluge.
In the past few days, efforts have been directed towards clearing of drainage trenches and culverts that have been blocked by soils and debris as well as excavation of additional trenches and expanding water canals to enhance free flow of water and reduce flooding risk.
The ongoing interventions have come as great relief to residents of some of the severely affected areas such as Maisha Kamili, Soweto, Wang’uru Stadium and surrounding areas.
Jared Migwi, the County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Roads, Public Works and Housing, said that the County Government is actively monitoring the ongoing rainfall in order to mitigate against possible disasters as well as implement prompt response where required.
“We have deployed our county roads machinery such as excavators, backhoes as well as trucks for quick response in case of flooding or blocked roads,” he said.
Besides the flooding experienced in Mwea, the heavy rains also caused damage to a section of the Wang’uru Stadium wall, with Migwi saying that the county government would erect a temporary fence to deter vandals even as coordination with the National Government on its repairs go on.
Residents from some of the affected areas have appreciated the quick response to address the flooding saying that it has saved them from imminent displacement.
Elizabeth Muthoni who is a resident of Maisha Kamili said that the quick action by the county government to dig trenches along their street will now prevent flood water from getting into their houses as it has been happening whenever there is heavy rain.
“I am relieved and grateful for the quick action taken by the county government. Our place will now be draining very fast since water will be flowing down the drainage system,” she said.
Tebere Member of County Assembly Peter Karinga commended the county government for the swift response in providing excavators to clear the clogged trenches. He also advised those residing near the rivers to move to higher grounds to protect themselves from ranging waters from overflowing rivers.
At the same time, he cautioned residents from obstructing water trenches through erection of illegal structures as well as throwing debris into them. A seven-day weather forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department at the beginning of the week cautioned of heavy rains in the region between 16th to 22nd April.