Construction works on the 30-kilometer fencing around Maasai Mau forest block is on course. The South Rift Regional Kenya Water Towers Authority (KWTA) Coordinator, Cornel Omondi confirmed the report and said the project will be completed by December as planned.
The project was implemented with the aim of saving the forest area form encroachment. Works which kicked-off in January this year will cost the taxpayer Sh 73.4million. So far 3,900 poles have been erected and concreted. Planting 10 million trees in the forest to rehabilitate is also underway.
Long lasting lithium-ion battery
The electric fence will be powered by 370 watts solar panels served by long lasting lithium-ion battery assembly and will have three energizer stations at 10kilometer a part. After fencing, the forest block will be monitored within one kilometer radius and the information communicated through a rugged weatherproof android phone which will be given to officers patrolling the forest. The weatherproof condition is meant to help the gadget withstand the drenching rain scenario common in Mau Forest.
Mr. Omondi noted that the contractor is using imported pressure treated eucalyptus or wattle posts treated using a chemical known as copper chrome arsenate (tanalith) to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) certification. He further said that a central control station will also be provided with capability to view Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), which will be installed at key installations (energizers and solar locations).
He said the project has been facing the challenge of transporting materials and equipment due to the rough terrain, hostility from those evicted earlier, illegal grazing and a litigation filed in court by the evictees.
