Sand harvesting in Gesonso area along River Gucha has been banned due to the swollen river that poses a great threat to human life.
According to the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) officials they have been informed that the site is dangerous and in many occasions during heavy rains sand harvesters from the area drown.
Speaking in their officer in Kisii Town, Alice Kaudia the Nema Kisii coordinator said River Gucha which passes by Gesonso area is full of water and therefore its safer for them to ban the harvest until the water levels in the river go down.
“Last year we had rains and four lives were lost at Gesonso in Bonchari sub county and there is need for us to take precautions so that we don’t lose more lives this time round,” she said.
She said in many occasions they have been banning the sad harvesting but most of the traders do not quit harvesting.
“We will be so strict because there is ongoing rains and we would not like to lose lives, we will arrest any person who will be spotted harvesting sand in the area,” she added.