This article was first published in The Timeline.
By President Eric Ombok
The Rotary Clubs of Syokimau, Kitengela, Athi River and Stoni Athi on September 18 embarked on a project dubbed Adopt a River, to remove all solid waste along the water body.
The four Rotary clubs conducted a waste assessment covering a stretch of at least 1.5 kilometres along Athi River before embarking on the first phase which is focussed on removing solid waste from the water body, installing traps at points where storm water carrying solid waste get into the rivers and planting trees along the river to reduce surface erosion.
Laboratory testing of water in the river was also undertaken before the project began and will be repeated after completion, to determine the levels of contamination and to check whether the solutions provide are effective. The clubs are collaborating with members of the community to provide labour for removal of the solid waste daily until the exercise is completed.
To reduce solid waste disposal into Athi River, the next phase will include providing recycling bins in partnership with waste collection service providers. Industries releasing their effluent to the river through various channels will also be brought on board as part of efforts to improve up-stream biological treatment of industrial waste.
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