Water Resources Authority (WRA) has issued a directive to individuals illegally occupying and subdividing gazzetted wetlands and sand dunes in Lamu County, ordering cease such activities or face prosecution.
The directive comes in the wake of Water Resource Authority Board members doing a tour visit of the gazzetted Lamu sand dunes along the Lamu coastline, which are legally protected as water catchment areas.
Speaking to the media Tuesday, WRA Chairman Donald Murgor stated that the WRA is aware of the surge in illegal encroachments, including the erection of semi-permanent structures, fencing, and land clearing, and is keen to ensure that enforcement is done curbing the illegal encroachment.
He further said that WRA will also be doing a sensitization drive informing the Public over the need to protect the water catchment area, which he added is likely to be grabbed by a few well-connected individuals.
“WRA will soon be doing a tree planting drive as well within the sand dune area to plant indigenous trees in order to ensure that Lamu does not lose its primary fresh water aquifer,” he said.
He further stated that no one should continue occupying gazzetted land under the pretext of having a title deed, and should seek compensation for that title as the land should be conserved.
These dunes are critical for recharging underground aquifers, which serve as the primary source of fresh water for the residents of Lamu Island and the surrounding mainland.
Murgor further revealed WRA is working with a multi-agency team that includes the county government, Lamu Water Resource Users Authority and the public administration to ensure that the lamu sand dunes are well protected.
Sentiments echoed by WRA CEO Mohammed Shurie, who called on those in receipt of legal title deeds for the Lamu Shela Sand dunes area to surrender them and seek compensation in a bid to preserve Lamu’s fresh water source.
“The government is ready to compensate those who reach out to them following the gazzetement of the Lamu sand dunes areas done in 2021,” Shurie said.
“11,000 square kilometers the Lamu Sand dune area will be fenced in a bid to prevent encroachment and land grabbing by anyone,” he added.
The WRA CEO further called on the public, particularly residents of Lamu, to report any incidents of encroachment or illegal activity within the gazetted areas and stated that the government will continue being vigilant against encroachment of the two gazzeted wetlands areas in Lamu.
The Authority has also pledged to enhance surveillance and patrols in collaboration with the National Police Service and the County Government of Lamu to prevent further encroachment.
Lamu Tourism Association member and Shela youth representative Jamil Mohammed lauded the national government for ensuring the Lamu sand dunes are protected.
He further reported that the destruction of the dunes has accelerated in recent months, leading to increased salinity in nearby wells and a noticeable decline in water levels.
“The sand dunes are our lifeline. When you destroy them for a temporary plot of land, you are destroying the future water supply for thousands of people,” Save Lamu Secretary General Mohammed Athmmand said.
By Amenya Ochieng
