Sand harvesters in Buhani area in Vihiga County have been banned from harvesting sand with immediate effect since the activities are posing an environmental hazard.
Speaking during a public baraza with residents of Buhani area at a church in Buhani Vihiga Sub County DCC Linet Orina issued a stern warning to sand harvesters and transporters that the exercise should stop immediately or they risk being arrested.
Orina regretted that the sand harvesters are not abiding by sand harvesting laws and regulations citing an example where Buhani PAG church is just hanging after sand has been harvested around it denying worshippers access and posing a great hazard as the church can collapse any time risking the lives of worshippers.
She asked residents especially the youth to look for alternative sources of income like planting and selling vegetables commending those who have embraced the greenhouses, like Ernest Boge who are earning a living by selling indigenous vegetables.
She advised the sand harvesters and transporters to form and register groups with the Directorate of Social Services so that they can benefit from government funds like Youth Enterprise and Development Fund, Uwezo fund and women enterprise fund among other grants.
She said that a crackdown will be conducted soon and if anyone will be found violating the laid down regulations will be arrested and charged accordingly.
Area residents led by Ken Ambwere urged the government to give them more time to look for other sources of income saying they have been depending on sand harvesting for their livelihoods.
An officer from National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Brenda Obura called on residents to adhere to the law governing sand harvesting and transporting saying failure to do so they risk being arrested.
She asked the sand harvesters to get licenses from NEMA, Sand transporters to get permits from NEMA and land owners to ensure they have licenses and they have designated sand harvesting sites.
She advised them to harvest sand in a sloping manner saying this ensures there is natural land rejuvenation unlike where they harvest in a straight manner.
She urged the sand harvesters, transporters and landowners to help in land rehabilitation of degraded sand harvesting sites by planting trees.
by Maureen Imbayi
