Mbiuni Ward Member of County Assembly Thomas Mweu Kasoa has condemned sand harvesting along rivers stating he will introduce a bill in Parliament to illegalise the activity in Machakos County.
Speaking yesterday during his routine visit in Mbiuni, the minority leader stated the excessive sand mining is causing river degradation.
"Sand harvesting has been on the increase in our county and soon after the County Assembly resumes I will launch a motion to stop sand harvesting in Machakos County completely, "said Kasoa.
Kasoa further blamed the chairman of the chamber of Commerce for misleading the public into demanding for reduction of the amount paid by sand lorries.
"We have seen recently the chairman of chamber of Commerce organising demonstrations with the sand lorries, this is wrong as the sand mining has led to dryness in our rivers and even more, children drop out of school," he added.
Kasoa further replied to the demonstrations held earlier this week stating the reason for the increase of the tax paid is to do away with sand harvesting in the County.
"We want to make it clear that the motion to stop sand harvesting is coming soon as our rivers have dried up following the mislenous activity," he said.