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To: Chief Officer Environment And Solid Waste Management Mr. Hamid Shekhan
DEFEND KISAUNI:HALT ILLEGAL SAND HARVESTING
Illegal sand harvesting in Kisauni is killing our people, devastating the environment, and posing severe health and safety risks to our community. In recent months, quarry collapses in Katani and Junda have caused multiple deaths.
This destructive practice has resulted in flash floods, landslides, and the degradation of the local ecosystem, leaving affected families vulnerable.
This destructive practice has resulted in flash floods, landslides, and the degradation of the local ecosystem, leaving affected families vulnerable.
We demand Mr. Hamid Shekhan to:
- Enforce an immediate ban on illegal sand harvesting in Kisauni and across Mombasa.
- Revoke all existing licences issued to sand miners operating illegally.
- Increase licence fees for authorised companies and groups involved in sand mining to ensure only regulated and responsible operations are allowed.
The government needs to focus on community-led development projects that can offer alternative income streams for the local community and provide sustainable livelihoods. Such as: revival of abandoned fish ponds, establishing tree nurseries that encourage reforestation and biodiversity restoration, beekeeping projects and reed basked weaving initiatives that use locally available resources.
These projects can empower residents while protecting the environment.
Why is this important?
To my community and others facing this environmental disaster, the losses we are enduring far outweigh the small, short-term gains that only provide hand-to-mouth benefits. There have already been tragic reports of casualties and deaths, and we do not need more lives lost to understand the harm this practice causes.
I am calling on each and every one of us to take action now. It is up to us to save lives, protect our environment, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Sources:
I am calling on each and every one of us to take action now. It is up to us to save lives, protect our environment, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Sources:
Kisauni mine tragedy: Death toll rises to four
Image Credit - Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group