A lobby group has opposed clearing of a public forest in Meru County in order to pave way for the construction of a proposed State Lodge, a Golf course and Airstrip.
The Imenti Development Forum opposed plans to clear part of Imenti Forest,North Imenti constituency, Meru County.
In a press statement the lobby group’s Chairman Charles Mutuma Mbogori called on both the National and Meru County governments to reconsider the proposed developments within the forest.
He said they are not opposed to the construction of the project in Meru but suggested that it ought to be done somewhere else.
“Residents should not be persuaded to support the destruction of a vital forest ecosystem,the concern is not the projects themselves, but their proposed location within a protected forest area,” Mbogori said.
He argued that there are several alternative sites within Meru County that can accommodate the developments without causing environmental degradation.
The project has faced a lot of criticism as many residents say building a state lodge in the forest that is adjacent to Meru town and is relied by many residents will spoil not only cause a problem to bio diversity.
“Already Meru is facing water scarcity. What will happen if another part of forest is wiped out. There will be a lot of water shortages,” Mwenda Muriuki said.
Last week Meru governor Mutuma M’ Ethinkia said the project will go on has earlier planned.
“We are not going to build it on anybody’s land. We are building it on public land,” he said.
Mutuma spoke when he was attending the 5th graduation ceremony for Meru Youth Service.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized if the case the project will not benefit Meru in any way as it will do more harm than good.
Environmentalist have raised concern why the project is being hurried without proper public participation.
Edited by John Majau
