Nyatike residents want sand mining banned

Lower Central Kadem, Nyatike residents want the County Government of Migori and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to immediately ban sand mining in the area saying it poses life hazards.

The residents say that the area becomes more dangerous during the rainy season as most sand mines collapse killing people.

Area chief, Philip Opollo, said that more than ten families were displaced two months ago by flash floods that hit the area saying they were caused by the uncontrolled sand harvesting.

Opollo called on NEMA and the county government to address the matter before it gets out of hand even as the rainy season draws closer.

Speaking to Radio Ramogi on Wednesday, September 28, the chief complained that NEMA and the county government were non-committal on if and when the ban would be effected.

Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment and Disaster Management, Elijah Odhiambo, could, however, not be reached for a comment.