Vihiga budget impasse is derailing the rehabilitation of the Maragoli Hills Forest, Environment executive Mary Amalemba has said.
Others are Ebusiekwe Hills and Shairinga Forest.
Amalemba said they had proposed a budget of about Sh6.5 million in the 2021-22 financial year to rehabilitate the forests.
“We had [also] proposed Sh7.5 million on community forests and shrines in Hamisi, Luanda and Emuhaya,” she said.
The official said they aim to achieve 10 per cent forest cover within the county.
Amalemba was speaking at the Egago dispensary after leading the community in planting over 3,500 seedlings at the Maragoli Hills.
The county is partnering with Equity Bank to rehabilitate the forest.
Equity Bank manager Peter Lubale said they are working closely with the county to ensure Maragoli forest is restored.
“So far we are targeting over 100,000 seedlings to be planted in the forest and the only way is to partner with a good number of stakeholders,” Lubale said.
“Maragoli Hills is the heartbeat of Vihiga people, and if not well taken care of, then many people are likely to suffer.”
Lubale said there is a need to protect the forest for the current and future generations.
