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{
    "id": 961788,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/961788/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 15,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mpaayeyi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13193,
        "legal_name": "Phillip Salau Mpaayei",
        "slug": "phillip-salau-mpaayei"
    },
    "content": "2. THAT, the lake has been facing serious environmental threats emanating from sedimentation and siltation for the last decade which has gradually led to the loss of about 20 per cent of the lake to the soil and silt deposition. In addition, the accumulation and spread of residue is affecting the quality of soda ash from the lake. 3. THAT, the siltation problem in Lake Magadi has its origin in the upper and middle water catchment areas of the lake where intense soil erosion is occurring. The upper catchment including Keekonyokie and Suswa wards of Narok East Constituency and middle catchment areas covering Mosiro in Narok East and Ewuaso Nkidongi and Mosiro wards in Kajiado West Constituency. 4. THAT, the mining operations in Lake Magadi are a source of livelihood for over 50,000 people through trade and direct or indirect employment. The company also supports water provision education facilities, bursaries, health services and enterprise opportunities for surrounding communities 5. THAT, the company has invested heavily in individual effort to save Lake Magadi from destruction through siltation. It initially built three dykes to block the soil deposits, bust successive rain periods led to the covering of the dykes. 6. THAT, the company has initiated a project to divert the main river identified to be the main conduit of the siltation as an emergency measure to protect the lake. This was done in partnership with the relevant Government department and agencies and local communities. Environmental due diligence was carried out and necessary approvals obtained from National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA) and Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA). Consideration was taken to ensure that sufficient water remained available for the dependent community downstream. The project took more than three years to complete and it cost the company more than Kshs100 million. 7. THAT, the company is overseeing monitoring of the above project to manage any environmental issue, while partnering with the local communities to address pertinent development issues. 8. THAT, the river diversion is a short-term measure. There is need for a wide spread and long-term solution targeting the catchment areas of the lake to introduce measures that stop soil erosion and movement of the soil to the lake and promote afforestation and sustainable land use practices. 9. THAT, the company urgently needs Government support and interventions to deal with the siltation challenge. The company is dealing with an environmental load that is not of its own making and which, if not urgently and appropriately addressed, may lead to the loss of a national economic resource that has supported local livelihoods for decades and which continues to earn the country the much needed foreign exchange. 10. THAT, we have made the best efforts to have this matter addressed by the relevant authorities like the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and WARMA, all of which nothing has been done herein in the petition. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}