[Workers at Jaribuni Timbo quarry. Mandera East deputy county commissioner Lawrence Omondi has warned all those operating 'illegal' quaries.] (Photo/the-star.co.ke]The National Environment Management Authority has issued a stern warning to miners operating uninspected quarry in Mandera County.
Mandera East deputy county commissioner Lawrence Omondi said they have closed all open quarries in the county and those found operating will face arrest and prosecution.
“Area chiefs have been asked to enforce the order and arrest miners who violate the directive,” said Omondi.
Omondi was speaking during a meeting with County director of environment Josiah Nyandoro and area chiefs.
Mr Nyandoro said the quarries are dangerous and will remain closed until the owners refill open pits left during mining.
According to Nyandoro, herders in the area have lost most of their animals as their livestock have been falling into the pits, adding that the pits are a health hazard.
“The government will protect its citizens and livestock from health problems emanating from the open pits. The pits are a health hazard as stagnant water had filled the pits making them a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Nyandoro.
The Mandera quarries have in the last three years been a focus of attention after Al-Shabaab militants raided them killing miners at night while they were sleeping which forced the government to ban stone mining at night.