The Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) are calling upon both the National and County Governments to take immediate action in accordance with the legislative frameworks that places execution of relevance at this time to avoid future disasters and flood occurrences during the rainy seasons
Some of the measures that ACEK are beseeching both levels of government to implore is to respond to situation of human settlement on/or along waterways and river flood plains, review and align to policy and legislative frameworks developed in yesteryears in addressing the situation of communities living downstream of the 7 forks dams of the River Tana Flood
Constitute Specialists Taskforce to review adequacy and capacity of the drainage system and water channels to adequately convey and evacuate storm water to the natural outfall.
The government has also been advised to review their current frameworks around regular cleaning and removal of debris from the surface drains and river channels and take into consideration, avoiding the dumping of construction waste and excavated spoils along the river channels.
According to the association Secretary, Eng. Gabriel Jabongo, the Governments should review policy frameworks that will respond to the situation of careless blocking of road drains and access to culverts especially by the roadside business community, which has recently occupied the road reserve with reckless abandon.
‘’We are asking the Government to review the effectiveness of current policy frameworks in addressing deliberate/ignorant blocking/damage of the Road Drainage Channels by developers to access private property. Also to review the effectiveness of current legislative and policy frameworks that guides good practice in the management of the river catchments through evaluated and approved farming methods, conservation of natural forest and natural vegetation cover, along the entire river catchments.’’ Said Jabongo
He added ‘’ Review of the effectiveness of current policy frameworks that guides river channel maintenance programmes and Assessment of effectiveness of the populations towards heeding to all warnings and alerts ahead of suspected/impending flooding’’
Public have also been urged to always seek involve and consult for professional advice, only from qualified engineers on matters to do with development of buildings, civil and power/energy and infrastructure
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