Residents from Kivaa Ward in Masinga, Machakos County have agreed to stop harvesting sand from rivers on grounds that the activity has depleted the environment.
This follows a successful intervention by the area MCA Justus Kiteng’u.
Kiteng’u said the locals agreed to stop the activity which has destroyed river beds in Masinga.
“Locals have agreed to end sand harvesting and will venture into other activities to earn livelihoods, elected leaders and local government administrators should support the efforts to restore river beds in the region,” Kiteng'u said.
Locals blamed harvesting cartels for pushing them to engage in the illegal activity.
They spoke at Kaonyweni Market on Monday.
“Sand harvesting was banned in the area but cartels have been forcing youths to harvest sand hence destroying river beds. We will not fight to end the illegal trade,” said resident John Nzioki.
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