Bondo miners in pursuit of gold in an underground tunnel. [Photo|nation.co.ke]
Gold miners from central and south Sakwa locations in Bondo Sub County have been warned against the use of explosives in their mining activities owing to their massive environmental destruction in the region.
Siaya County Director of Environment Gabriel Oduor siad three weeks ago, the county government issued orders to stop the use of explosives in mining but the directives have largely been ignored.
Oduor revealed that the stop orders were issued through the NEMA office after they received complaints from residents of Luora and Dago villages that the explosives were posing a health hazard.
He further disclosed the county environment office acted on the complaints and conducted assessments which revealed that buildings at Dago primary school had massive cracks and expectant women from the areas had developed health complications.
Speaking during a mining stakeholders meeting at Wagusu trading center in Central Sakwa, Oduor told the miners that the law only allows trained and licensed individuals to use explosives in mining.
Nyanza region Geologist Maurice Omondi Ndeda who graced the occasion said the 2016 mining Act prohibits miners from the area from using explosives and stone crashers that are currently used in search of Gold.
Ndeda blamed local administrators for abetting the use of explosives since most of them own the gold mines or shield the mine owners who use explosives from being arrested and prosecuted.
He disclosed that his office is following up on information that a business woman from Wagusu has been selling explosives to the miners against the law.
The Geologist also stated that nobody in central or south Sakwa has been licensed by his office to use explosives.
Bondo Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Richard Jawing who convened the meeting stated that the government was not out to stop mining activities in the area but fight the use of explosives.
Ajwang said the vibrant mining industry needs to be supported by all stakeholders because of its economic benefits to the locals and to the government.
He said that the various arms of government will work together to ensure the law is followed during mining and when solving disputes related to mining activities in the area.