By Okong’o Oduya
Residents in Busia County have been urged to set up sanctuaries to conserve wildlife as one way of attracting tourists. Speaking during the World Environment Day at Lwanya Girls Secondary School on Sunday, Governor Sospeter Ojamong told county residents to emulate former Senator the late Mutula Kilonzo who had a sanctuary in his homestead. Ojamong said that his government will do what it can to support conservation of environment through tree planting
“My government will encourage tree planting across the county to improve tree cover in the county which currently stands at 1.04 per cent. We also need to know that we have a duty to protect wildlife to create awareness on the theme “Zero tolerance to wildlife crime” so as to protect the rapid depletion of wildlife,” he said.
According to County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment and Natural Resources, Gregory Odeke his department has taken a leading role in spearheading the preparation of: Formulation of the biodiversity policy, development of land use plan for Yala Swamp, watershed management plan for Kabosokipi-Ong’aroi water shed, transition implementation plan for forestry and county environment action plan.
He said the implementation of the above documents will result in a sustainability conserved environment for all, adding that Busia county is endowed with a rich and diverse resource base. Chief Officer in the Department Timon Mboga said they are promoting the planting of bamboo trees and bee keeping relieving the environment of the burden of degradation.
