The Naivasha Tourism Association (NTA) has called on the Nakuru county government to address the Naivasha drainage system as the region prepares for heavy rains. The association expressed concern that the El Nino rains could have adverse effects on the tourism sector, which employs hundreds directly and indirectly around the lakeside town. According to Charity Githinji, a committee member of the association, the drainage system is overwhelmed by the rising population, leading to a crisis whenever it rains.
The association also expressed concern over the poor condition of Moi South Lake Road, which leads to hotels and Hell's Gate National Park. Peter Kimani, a board member of NTA and managing director of Sawela Lodges, said the road was deteriorating due to poor workmanship. He noted that the road had been patched up during the World Rally Championship but its condition was getting worse, adversely affecting transport to various hotels, Hell's Gate, and Kengen.
Kimani warned that the situation could worsen once the rains start, citing past experiences where the road had been rendered impassable by flash floods. In recent years, sections of the town and Moi South Lake Road have been affected by floods, causing disruptions to the tourism sector. The association is willing to work with the county government to map out flood-prone areas and mitigate the effects of the expected heavy rains.
In response to the concerns, Naivasha sub-county public health officer Margaret Mungai assured that the sub-county disaster management committee had been activated ahead of the rains in October. The committee is currently unclogging drainage systems and demolishing structures on waterways to prepare for the projected heavy rains. Mungai also warned that the expected rains could trigger water-borne diseases and assured that the department was ready to deal with any outbreak.
Mungai stated that the department, in collaboration with other government agencies and the county government, had embarked on a clean-up exercise, unclogging drainage systems, and issuing water treatment tablets. The efforts aim to mitigate the risks associated with the expected heavy rains and ensure the safety of residents and tourists in the area.
The Naivasha Tourism Association's concerns highlight the need for the county government to invest in infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to protect the tourism sector. The sector is a significant contributor to the local economy, and any disruptions can have far-reaching consequences. By working together, the association and the county government can develop effective strategies to mitigate the effects of the expected heavy rains.
The county government's response to the concerns raised by the Naivasha Tourism Association will be crucial in determining the impact of the expected heavy rains on the tourism sector. With the right measures in place, the region can minimize the risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists. The collaboration between the association and the county government is essential in achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Naivasha Tourism Association has urged the Nakuru county government to address the Naivasha drainage system ahead of expected heavy rains.
- The association expressed concern over the poor condition of Moi South Lake Road, which leads to hotels and Hell's Gate National Park.
- The county government has activated the sub-county disaster management committee to prepare for the projected heavy rains.
