- Nema has urged the public to give views on an Environmental Impact Assessment Study report for the proposed project
- Karura forest has nearly all the 605 species of wildlife found in Nairobi, including three types of antelope
Image: COURTESY
Hundreds of indigenous trees risk being cleared in Karura Forest to pave the way for the construction of the Water Transmission Pipeline.
Athi Water Works Development Agency has proposed the construction of a 3.1 km DN 1400mm Water Transmission Pipeline from Gigiri water reservoir to Karura water reservoir through Karura Forest.
The objective of the transmission pipeline is to strengthen water supply within Zone 9 of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company.
The National Environment Management Authority, in a public notice on Tuesday, urged the public to give views on an Environmental Impact Assessment Study report for the proposed project.
“Pursuant to Regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project,” Nema DG Mamo Mamo said.
“Nema invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice to the DG, NEMA, to assist the Authority in decision-making process for this project. Kindly quote ref. No. NEMA/EIA/5/2/2130.”
The EIA report is available for inspection during working hours at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NEMA offices, or the county director of environment.
The EIA study shows that the project is set to impact exotic and indigenous trees along the water pipeline alignment within the forest.
Athi Water Works Development Agency said it will secure a way leave permit from Kenya Forest Service.
“Prior to issuance of the permit, KFS will value any trees that are likely to be affected and bill AWWDA alongside requisite permit fees,” part of the agency's mitigation measures said.
It said the pipeline is designed to be laid along Wangari Maathai Track, alongside another existing pipeline and therefore no tree cutting is anticipated.
“The pipeline alignment is to be confined to the existing Wangari Maathai Track. However, in circumstances where a tree is to be cut, compensatory tree planting will be undertaken within a degraded area in the forest in liaison with KFS and Friends of Karura Forest," the agency said.
As part of mitigation plans, areas to be cleared shall be agreed by KFS and friends of Karura before demarcation and clearance.
“Whenever possible, all damaged areas shall be reinstated and rehabilitated upon completion of the contract to as near pre-construction conditions as possible,” it said.
The late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai fiercely protected the forest resource from encroaches.
The proposed project will also impact water resources.
As mitigation measures, water containing pollutants such as cement, concrete, lime, chemicals, and fuels shall be discharged into a conservancy tank.
“Contractor shall prevent runoff loaded with sediment and other suspended materials from the site or working areas from discharging to drainage channels. Debris and other materials will be prevented from entering watercourses,” the agency said.
The water agency said discharges to watercourses and bodies of water will only be carried out with the consent of the relevant governing bodies, such as the Water Resources Authority.
"At the construction stage, the contractor will prepare a Specific Construction Environment and Social Management PLAN, which shall include, a Soil and Sedimentation Control Plan, a Spoil Management Control Plan, and a Waste Management Plan," it said.
The project will also have an impact on soils.
The water agency said sheet and rill erosion will be prevented by the use of sand bags, diversion berms, culverts, or other physical means.
“Topsoil shall be stockpiled separately from subsoil. Stockpiles shall not exceed 2 m in height, shall be located away from drainage lines and shall be protected from rain and wind erosion," it said.
Karura Forest is located on the periphery of Nairobi City.
It is one of the largest gazetted urban forests in the world, with 2,572 acres of land.
The forest contains nearly all the 605 species of wildlife found in Nairobi, including three types of antelope.
Karura Forest is under the management of KFS.
It is a 20-minute drive from the Nairobi CBD and can be accessed from two gates, one along Kiambu Road and the other along Limuru Road.
For Kenyan citizens, the Friends of Karura, who manage the forest, charge an entry fee of Sh100 for adults and Sh50 for children.
For citizens who are classified as non-citizens living in Kenya, the forest entrance fee is Sh200 for adults and Sh100 for children.
Whereas for non-residents, the forest entrance fee is Sh600 for adults and Sh300 for children.