Naivasha flower farms asked to manage water in their dams

Flooding in Naivasha after River Karati burst its banks flooding businesses along Nairobi-Nakuru highway.[Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Some flower farms in Naivasha have been asked to manage waters in their dams to avert disaster amid the heavy downpours in the country.

According to the Water Resources Authority (WRA) excess water from some dams in the area has been spilling to the nearby settlements.

The Authority led by the Chief Executive Officer conducted some inspections on some flower farms to assess the situation of their dams and lagoons.

Among the dams inspected by the authority on April 1, 2024, were Subati Flowers in Naivasha Sub-county, Karati Dam, Kahuruko Pan, Elishan Farm, Cedar Farm and Karai Village.

This was after area residents complained of their drinking water having mixed up with water from their septic tanks.

"The Authority urges all dam owners to comply with the regulations to protect loss of lives, and properties and preserve the socioeconomic status of their environments," the authority stated.

Adding that, "The flooding has brought about serious ravaging effects leading to loss of lives and livelihoods,"

During the visit, the CEO held meetings with residents and implored on them to take precautionary measures when dealing with water.

He pleaded with the angry residents not to take water issues lightly and to move away from flooded places until the waters subside.

Residents residing around Lake Naivasha were also urged to be vigilant as the large volumes of water moving eventually ended up in the Lake, causing it to fill up some more.

"All children going to schools through bridges must be accompanied when going to school and when coming home to avoid drowning incidents," the authority added.

To meet the set regulations, dam owners are required to hold valid water storage and use permits and conduct periodic inspections, through the relevant category of qualified water professionals.

They are also required to familiarize themselves with the risk factors of storage dams prescribed under the Water Resources Regulations.