Lamu Environment
Major Tourist Attraction
Lamu is a unique historical area with great natural beauty and resources. For years tourists have flocked into Lamu to experience its amazing ancient culture and of course the peace and quiet atmosphere that has given the island its charm.
Pollution Free!
No car, no traffic culture is because of the way the town was built, with the streets so narrow and close. It is impossible to alter the town plan to make way for cars since the architecture gave Lamu its world heritage status.
The island has only 2 registered cars; the District commissioner’s personal saloon and the land rover, both of which are government owned. This has been the case for many years until today. However there now can be seen several motor cycles and the latest addition of a Tuk-tuk (a 3 wheeled truck) which is used as an ambulance.
Problem
Over the past few years the effect of modern living has evidently taken its toll. Poor water sanitation in Lamu town itself and an insufficient garbage collection system has been eating away at the beauty of this area.
The community has maintained the no car policy despite pressure for progress, there is a realization of the uniqueness of the Lamu life that has been lost in so many other places on the coast. Let us just hope that Lamu will continue to be traffic free and preserve its unique way of life.
