Initiative kicks off to ensure dilapidated Lambwe forest restores lost glory

Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa (centre) planting trees in Lambwe Forest. The government has begun an initiative of conserving Lambwe, which is one of the largest forests in Homa Bay County to protect dwindling water sources in the area. [James Omoro, Standard]

The government has begun an initiative to conserve Lambwe, one of the largest forests in Homa Bay County to protect dwindling water sources in the area.

Lambwe Forest located in Mbita Sub-county, is one of the key water sources in the area.  

However, the recent drying of rivers in the area is attributed to the decline in the forest’s tree population.

One of the affected rivers is Lambwe which serves most area residents. River Lambwe dries up during dry seasons contrary to how it used to be before, a situation attributed to the decline of the tree population in the forest.

To restore the environment in the area, the government through Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency has begun tree planting in the area to restore the forest.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa led a team of government officials and residents in planting trees in the forest.

More than 7,000 tree seedlings were planted during the exercise. The exercise is expected to see at least 200,000 tree seedlings planted in the forest at the end of the ongoing rainy season.

Mugaa said their aim is to counteract the adversity of climate change in the area. He explained that trees are important for environment conservation hence the need to have as many trees as possible in the area.

“Climate change is real hence we have to put proper modalities for mitigating its adverse impact. That is why we are planting trees to restore this forest,” Mugaa said.

The CS who was accompanied by Water Principal Secretary Julius Korir, Chairman of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Odoyo Owidi, and Water Secretary Samuel Alima, told residents to embrace the culture of tree planting to enhance proper conservation of environment in the area.

“I urge everyone to embrace the culture of planting trees. Trees have several advantages in improving human life,” Mugaa added.

The CS said the trees will augment the government's plans of planting 15 billion trees by 2030.

“As a Ministry, we are targeting to plant 50 million trees in the above plan. Let us put concerted efforts towards the agenda,” Mugaa added.