The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is carrying out a one-month exercise to map out riparian lands in Miwani Special Economic Zone.
Kisumu is one of the three counties spearheading the SPEZ initiative as a flagship project to stimulate and revive economic development in the region. The mappingis already complete in Lamu and Mombasa.
Led by NEMA’s Deputy Director, for Environmental Planning &Research Dr. Charles Lange, the delegation is set to visit Miwani and collect initial information for the mapping after which the findings will be presented to the county government and relevant stakeholders.
According to Lange many wetlands lie in the SPEZ and they must be protected to prevent investors from flouting environmental laws through encroachment. He made the remarks this morning during a courtesy call to Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili.
The development of the SPEZ will spur industrial development in line with the government’s Big Four agenda.
Dr. Owili assured NEMA of the County Government’s support in making the process successful for Kisumu and the region.
The SPEZ will link farmers, fishermen & the business community with business enterprises which will be located in the area. It will also create jobs and improve the economy.
The County Government through the Department of Lands has already allocated 1000ha for the project in Miwani.
By Collins Owuor
