County shuts down sand harvesting business

A sand harvesting business in Tana River County has been closed down after communities living in the area clashed violently over the he resource.

Speaking Saturday after the business was forced to stop its operations; Tana River Deputy County Commander Saida Ali said the Orma and Wanyoyaya had fought over the business, prompting them to close the business.

“We will close it down until the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Lands officials will address the matter,” said Ali.

The sand harvesters, however, claim the business was valid and licensed by the same county officials.

“We have all the documents to show. The County itself approved our business, so why are they closing it down now?” quizzed Abdikadir Hussein, a sand harvester.

“Is it because that we are the minority to the Orma that they have closed down our sand business?” remarked a puzzled Abdikadir.

Some residents have raised safety concerns, saying that the trenches could potentially cause accidents during the raint season.

“These trenches are too deep. How will our children cross over to school and how will we transport our charcoal,” exclaimed Mohammed Bocha, a resident of the county.

Assisted reporting by Atieno Mboya