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The Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK) has issued a poignant press statement urging immediate action from both national and county governments to mitigate the current crisis and prevent future disasters.
Eng. Gabriel W. Jabongo, speaking on behalf of ACEK, expressed deep concern over the loss of life, damage to property, and environmental disruption caused by the heavy rainfall, particularly affecting Nairobi and its environs. The statement extended heartfelt sympathies to all affected by the floods, acknowledging the hardships faced by those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.
Highlighting the tireless efforts of emergency response teams, volunteers, and communities in providing essential support, ACEK emphasized the critical need for resilient engineering solutions. The association pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to explore long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of future flooding events.
The press statement underscored the significant socioeconomic losses resulting from the floods, including the collapse of buildings, landslides, and disruptions to transportation systems. While recognizing the role of climate change and weather conditions in exacerbating the situation, ACEK also called attention to societal values and practices impacting the environment.
Pointing to the constitutional division of responsibilities between the national and county governments for disaster management, ACEK outlined specific measures for immediate action. These measures include addressing human settlements in flood-prone areas, reviewing policies for communities downstream of river floodplains, and establishing specialist task forces to assess drainage systems.
The statement emphasized the importance of regular cleaning of surface drains and river channels, as well as the avoidance of dumping waste in waterways. It called for measures to prevent deliberate damage to road drainage channels and promote good practices in river catchment management.
ACEK urged enhanced public awareness and response to flood warnings, along with improvements in disaster management plans and early warning systems. The association also called for the implementation of remedial measures for affected infrastructure.
In conclusion, ACEK emphasized the crucial role of qualified engineers in providing professional advice for development projects. The press statement served as a rallying call for all stakeholders to unite in addressing the ongoing flood crisis and building a more resilient and sustainable future for Kenya.
As the country grapples with the immediate aftermath of the floods, the call for urgent action from engineers signals a collective commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and the environment against future disasters.