Youths within Meru town have decried rising insecurity inside and around Nteere park as they planted trees and engaged in clearing bushes and cleaning.
Mark Munene, the Founder of Environmental Action Alliance who led his fellow youths in carrying out the exercise urged the security agencies to beef up security along the Mwendantu and St Paul paths that encompass the park but have turned to escape routes and hideout dens for thieves.
Munene appealed to both the national and County governments to erect a perimeter wall around the park, build seats and beautify it to the best standards in order to attract more visitors.
“The national and county governments security officers should intensify patrols to arrest perpetrators. Nteere is now clean and we urge those who come here to ensure they don’t litter waste anyhow,” he said.
Munene lamented that metallic seats, a fence and metallic gate that were built by the first Meru Governor Peter Munya were cut off and sold as scrap metal dealers.
Jenerose Gacheri said the park had turned to a drugs and alcohol den where even students consume them in turns.
“Bearing in mind that the police station borders the park, we demand night and day surveillance here and a perimeter wall to curb insecurity,” she said.
The youths hailed Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia for showing commitment in supporting measures aimed at cleaning parks, markets and towns within the County.
Dominick Kirimi, the Secretary General Meru Youth Council said it is time for youths to take responsibility and counter individuals with habits of destroying or throwing waste products anyhow.
“We are here to champion a clean environment and safe waste management for a healthy society. If we all take responsibility and stop waiting for the government whether at our places of work and at home, we shall have very beautiful and safe surroundings,” Kirimi said.
Area (Tuntu) assistant chief Peter Kaaria said the Park had turned to be a security threat but with the efforts of clearing bushes, people can feel free busking and taking a deep breath while relaxing in the park.
“I call upon youths to volunteer for such community-based initiatives to keep them busy away from drugs and illicit brews that destroy their health or lure them to criminal activities,” Kaaria who was part of the cleaners said.
Patrick Kathurima, a member of the Meru chamber of commerce said the conducive environment is paramount for businesses to boom.
“We are happy when youths are engaged in productive activities or initiatives aimed at creating a conducive environment for visitors and the business community. And because soon Meru is achieving the city standards, we won’t allow few people to take us back. We all must take responsibility to clean it,’’ he said.
Meru Youth Council secretary Mercy Kaari said as supporters of Governor M’Ethingia they set a day to commemorate environmental day by planting trees and clean up exercise.
