Residents stage demos over quarry activities causing diseases in Bomet

Bomet County

Tuesday, 08 August 2023,

KNA by Lamech Willy

Residents of Olng'osuet village Longisa ward Bomet east sub-county have protested against the quarry operations taking place at the Kapkimolwa Sub location citing environmental challenges as a result of land degradation.    

The residents staged a demo and demanded the government through the relevant agencies to intervene and investigate whether the owner has all the necessary requirements as they suspect the standards might not have been met before starting its operations.

Longisa Ward member of the County Assembly Stephen Changmorik complained that dust emanating from the quarry has been affecting area residents for a long period.

He claimed that children are the most affected as some have suffered breathing-related complications.

“Our people have suffered for a long time. Dust emanating from the quarries and lorries that are passing through our villages has serious health issues for our people, we have reports of sick children who are suffering from breathing complications from the dust they have inhaled,” lamented the MCA.

Changmorik however threatened to ensure that operations in the quarry are stopped until their concerns have been resolved.

Commenting on the incident Bomet East sub-county police commander John Etiang warned the residents against taking the law in their hands.

Mr Etiang urged them to raise their grievances through procedural legal means and warned that anyone who will be caught flouting the law will be dealt with.

“We acknowledge the good of residents and their leaders when they deploy peaceful and legal means to discuss issues affecting them, we are not going to let anyone destroy private properties belonging to investors. We urge you to form up committees with the owner of the quarry or submit your case through other legal channels,” warned Etiang.

Bomet County NEMA Director Samuel Nganga acknowledged that the quarry followed all dual procedures before starting operations adding that the matter that is being experienced is a managerial issue that should be resolved on the ground.

“When quarry operations take place dust is expected to come out from the crash, we have not received any official complaint from Longisa where the quarry is situated but I think that problem can be mitigated by watering the quarry every time operations are taking place,” explained Nganga.

Courtesy ; K. N. A