Leaders clash over sand mining

Sub-county leaders in the Island district of Buvuma have clashed with the district leadership over illegal sand mining.

Local leaders claim the district passed an ordinance last year banning sand mining activities in the area, however, some district officials have been accused of issuing licences to some companies to resume excavation.

Mr Matia Nickison Ochieng, the Nairambi Sub-county chairperson, accused the district leadership of permitting some private firms to conduct sand mining at Lufu Island without consulting sub-county leaders.

“The district passed an ordinance in December last year banning sand mining with the aim of conserving the environment. They distributed copies of the resolution to all sub-counties and we all agreed, but it is a pity that the district executive is issuing licences in disregard of the ban,” Mr Ochieng said on Saturday.

To silence sub-county leaders, Mr Ochieng said the district chairperson, Mr Alex Mabiriizi, has promised to give them 25 per cent of the revenue from sand mining.

“We are in dire need of revenue, but we shall not accept that money. Lufu Island which they want to give away to private sand miners is full of sand and the moment you start excavating it, the whole island will be destroyed,” he added.

Mr Yusuf Mbuubi, the Lubya Sub-county chairperson, said the district’s decision to resume sand mining is uncalled for and will be resisted by residents.

“It was already resolved that there is no more sand mining, so I don’t want to see them [the district leaders] in my sub-county disturbing my people.

“If they issued new licences to their investors, they should take them elsewhere,” Mr Mbuubi said.

Mr Julius Asenge, the Lufu Village chairperson, said he has since refused to sign documents from the district leadership okaying sand mining.

“The district leaders came with two Chinese nationals to my home and asked me to sign the documents, but I refused. The documents did not indicate the exact area where they were planning to carry out sand mining,” Mr Asenge said.

However, Mr Mabiriizi defended the move, saying having an ordinance does not bar the district from sanctioning some firms to excavate sand.

“We had banned sand mining because the district was not benefiting. Those who were engaging in the business were not licenced, but the new ones are organised and we expect to get Shs6m annually as revenue. We shall give a certain percentage to the sub-county and the village,” Mr Mabiriizi said.