Photo by Yobesh Onwong’a/KNA
County Government of Kitui has banned illegal harvesting and selling of sand in the region.
This was revealed by County Executive Committee member of Environment, Minerals and Natural Resources Mr. John Muneeni Makau.
The CEC said the Government could not tolerate destruction of the environment and more so through illegal sand harvesting in the county.
Makau spoke Friday when he met youths neighbouring Tiva River in Yatta/Kwa-Vonza Ward, Kitui Rural Sub County.
The youths had earlier in November blocked illegal sand harvesting at Tiva River by a Chinese company that is tarmacking Kibwezi-Mutomo-Kitui Road.
They had accused the construction company of destroying the environment through the spills of motor oils and lubricants terming them a hazard to the community’s health.
They had also complained that use of machinery in sand harvesting was denying many of the job opportunities.
“We totally cannot accept anyone to harvest nor sell sand without acquiring permit from NEMA, County Government of Kitui and any other relevant authorising institutions,” Makau stated.
The CEC decried scooping of sand with the use of machinery from the rivers saying the move poses health hazards as a result of oil and grease leakages and air pollution besides weakening of nearby bridges.
“We are thankful to the youths for stopping the illegal scooping of sand and making of deep wells using machinery by the contractor.
It is unlawful and uncalled for as the acts pose multiple health hazards and weakens our bridges. Destruction of environment including charcoal burning should not be taking place in the country if we have focused youths like you,” CEC Makau commended the youths.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
