Geoffrey Mosiria Issues Guidelines as Heavy Rains Start in Nairobi: "Avoid Dumping Garbage"
- The Kenya Meteorological Department had warned Kenyans about expected high rainfall and strong winds in several counties
- Nairobi County Chief Officer of Environment Geoffrey Mosiria told TUKO.co.ke that enforcement officers had been mobilised to unblock drainage systems
- The chief officer outlined steps Nairobi residents should take to avoid flooding during heavy rains
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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - County Chief of Environment Geoffrey Mosiria has cautioned Nairobians about possible flooding.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke on Monday, August 18, Mosiria explained why the county might experience floods due to the ongoing rains.
What Geoffrey Mosiria said about heavy rains
Mosiria expressed fear that the growing construction activities in the city might cause the rainwater to overwhelm the drainage systems.
"Nairobi is currently experiencing heavy rains. With the city’s growing population and increased construction, much of the ground is now covered by concrete, reducing natural soil absorption. As rainwater seeks soil to penetrate, it ends up flowing directly into drainage channels, overwhelming our drainage system, which was not designed to handle such volumes," Mosiria stated.
To respond to the ongoing rains and to avoid any disasters, Mosiria said the county emergency response teams have been mobilised to unblock and clear the drainage systems across the city.
"Our Environment Support Staff and Emergency Response Teams have been activated to unblock and clear drainage systems across the city," he stated.
Why people should move away from riparian lands
He urged all residents to support the county government by avoiding dumping garbage on road reserves and open spaces, as this contributes to the blockage of drainage systems.
"Avoiding the dumping of garbage on road reserves and open spaces, as this blocks drainage channels. Supporting efforts to keep drainage channels clear, since past floods have often been worsened by blocked drains," Mosiria added.
The county official further asked residents living on riparian land near rivers to move back at least 30 metres to avoid being swept away by floods.
"The government is also working on long-term improvements to Nairobi’s drainage infrastructure. In the meantime, residents living on riparian land near rivers are advised to move back at least 30 meters on both sides to prevent the risk of being swept away by rising waters. Together, we can mitigate unnecessary flooding and safeguard lives and property. Every Nairobi resident has a role to play," the chief officer said.
Source: UGC
Which counties will experience heavy rainfall?
Earlier, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a statement cautioning Kenyans about expected high rainfall and strong winds in several counties.
In the statement, the weatherman indicated that adverse weather conditions are expected to start from Saturday, August 17, to Tuesday, August 19.
They also urged Kenyans in the affected areas to exercise caution during the expected period of heavy rains and strong winds.
The counties listed by the weatherman include: Bungoma, Turkana, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kiambu, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Samburu, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nairobi and parts of Murang'a.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
