Residents of Isaku area in Vihiga Sub County have been urged to play a crucial role in environmental conservation to save Isaku Comprehensive School from collapse. The school's infrastructure is at risk due to environmental degradation, prompting concerns from local authorities. Vihiga Sub County Deputy County Commissioner, Linet Orina, addressed a public participation baraza held outside Isaku ADC church, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in conserving the environment.
Linet Orina stressed that it is the responsibility of all residents to conserve the environment, ensuring that public infrastructure and utilities, including the school, are protected for future generations. Her sentiments come amid concerns that some individuals have been opposing environmental conservation efforts, citing unfounded claims of contaminated soil. Orina's call to action aims to mitigate the risks posed by environmental degradation to the school and surrounding community.
A well-wisher has come forward with a plan to conserve the land and restore it for use as a field, thereby saving the school's classrooms from collapse. However, some residents have been spreading misinformation, claiming the soil is contaminated. Orina and other officials have dismissed these claims, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the school and environment. The conservation efforts aim to prevent further deterioration of the school's infrastructure.
Arnold Ambeyi, an officer from Vihiga County Department of Environment, cautioned residents against opposing environmental conservation plans. He emphasized that public utilities, including the school, assistant chief's office, and church, must be protected for posterity. Ambeyi urged residents, particularly those in upper areas, to create terraces and redirect water flow to their farms, reducing the risk of soil erosion and damage to the school and homes.
Ambeyi outlined the conservation plan, which involves filling pits with soil, leveling, planting grass and trees, and installing gabions to prevent soil erosion. He urged residents to heed government advice and instructions, warning that failure to do so may result in consequences. The conservation efforts aim to protect not only the school but also the surrounding community from environmental degradation.
David Shamola, representing the residents, called on the government to install quality culverts at designated points on the road to control water flow. He also requested a survey of the land to establish clear demarcations and boundaries between public and private land. Following the public participation baraza, residents agreed to allow the conservation efforts to proceed, citing the need for inclusive decision-making.
Linet Orina concluded by urging residents to take care of their children during the long holiday and festive season, warning that neglecting parental responsibilities may lead to teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The community has a critical role to play in protecting the school and environment, and collective action is necessary to ensure a safe and sustainable future.
Key points
- Residents of Isaku area in Vihiga Sub County have been urged to conserve the environment to save Isaku Comprehensive School from collapsing.
- Vihiga Sub County Deputy County Commissioner Linet Orina emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in conserving the environment.
- Conservation efforts aim to prevent further deterioration of the school's infrastructure and protect the surrounding community from environmental degradation.
