State bans sand mining in Homa Bay to avoid disasters

The government has suspended mining activities in flood-prone areas to avoid damage and loss of life in Homa Bay County.

Flooding in many areas of the county is believed to be caused by mining, particularly sand extraction.

Rachuonyo North County, where sand mining is the mainstay of the economy, is the most severely affected by the floods.

The affected villages are Osodo and Chwawe, where large areas of land were damaged due to sand mining.

“Sand extraction is a serious problem that affects our land and also contributes to the flooding that affects us,” said Willis Omro, an environmentalist in the area.

In response, authorities have begun to curb the threat.

Homa Bay Commissioner Moses Liran said 4,860 households were affected by the flooding, of which 1,283 had been evacuated.

Mr. Lilan issued a cease-and-desist order against mining in the area.

“We have issued a cease-and-desist order for all mining activities in the area. During periods of severe weather, mining can cause loss of life, injury and destruction of property,” he said. Ta.

While distributing relief materials to flood victims at Osodo Primary School in the northern part of Rachuonyo, he spoke with Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome, Homabay County CECM Mercy Osewe (Government Affairs) and Danish national Onyango (Road). He was accompanied by Mr. Samuel Omondi of the Kenya Red Cross Society and others.

Mr Lilan warned that mining could cause property damage, injuries and loss of life.

He said the order was decided after a meeting with relevant government agencies in the county.

“Our security authorities will ensure the implementation of the orders. We want our citizens to be safe,” he said.

Mr. Okuome regretted that sand mining had damaged roads, electricity poles and other infrastructure in the area.

“Sand extraction is causing great damage to the region. Stopping it will spare the public from the ongoing damage,” he said.

Leaders distributed various food items including cooking oil, beans, salt and flour to flood victims. These items were distributed to residents by the District Disaster Committee with support from the Kenya Red Cross Society.