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Voices: Destruction of Mau a
threat to generations
EA STANDARD
29/07/2008
The destruction of Mau Forest poses a threat to the survival of
the present and future generations.
As politicians squabble, Mau is getting exterminated.
Depletion of the vital forest reserve should be stopped without
further delay.
More talk and no action is of no value to the important national
resource. We have heard enough shouting. Act now.
Politicking over the Mau forest issue has become a boring beat. It
is illogical to introduce politics in environmental matters.
Why the great interest by the political class in the forest? I am
persuaded that these people have land in the disputed forest.
Leaders should be at the forefront in protecting national assets.
As a nation, we must spare no effort in conserving the environment.
Without sound environmental management, Vision 2030 will be a mere
mirage.
Ecological disaster tends to have a spill over effect on other
sectors of the economy.
All the other national resources thrive where the environment is
well cared for.
Our forests are key to water, energy, fisheries and wildlife
resources. If this is not convincing to the hard-hearted, then
nothing will.
Those concerned with reversing the senseless depletion of Mau
should move expeditiously. Everyone occupying the forest should
vacate immediately.
MPs should stop inciting illegal inhabitants. The State is duty
bound to keep human settlement out of Mau and other water
catchments.
I strongly support the initiative by the Prime Minister to kick
out those settled in the complex. No one is indispensable.
Mau destruction threatens Kenya’s survival.
Bahati Amaya, Nairobi
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The debate on the eviction of settlers in the Mau Forest is
critical. However, it is important to see things in different
perspectives.
The forest issue requires a political solution because politicians
have been involved in its destruction.
The land has been used to woo voters as a gift to politically
correct individuals.
I understand the concerns on environmental issues and the
repercussions of Mau destruction, but the cause of the problem
must be addressed.
If the law was not followed during the distribution of the land
and giving out of title deeds, then those behind it are
responsible and should be brought to book.
Think of the wasted years developing the land, the children, the
pain and the frustration of those living there.
They are human beings like everyone else.
It is not their fault to be squatters. Actually, they are not,
because they have title deeds.
They have been victims of broken promises.
If they are to move out, which is appropriate, they should be
given alternative settlement and compensated for their sweat.
The hypocritical talks by leaders, some who own thousands of acres
in the Mau Forest, and other Kenyans who do not know the situation
on the ground should end.
Stop inflicting unnecessary psychological pain on squatters.
The issue is critical and the necessary steps must be taken
harmoniously.
Those living in the forest should be contacted and a decision the
majority are comfortable with be settled for.
Environmentalists should take a leading role in planting trees
where they have been cut.
Do the same to other destroyed forests.
Kipngeno K Duncan, Daystar
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