By Hopkin Reporter
The Sand Taskforce established by Governor Julius Malombe has today presented its report to the Governor during an event that was attended by members of the public.
The document is composed of a comprehensive report and more importantly a policy document and a Bill, which when enacted into law will streamline and bring order to the activities around sand harvesting and transportation.
While receiving the report from the Committee, Governor Malombe noted that in the past sand business could not be regulated because there was no law governing the same.
“But now with this legal framework, we are moving in to regulate and bring order to the activities around sand value chain” the Governor stated.
The report which has already received approval from the public has recommended the establishment of Kitui County Sand Harvesting and Management Commitee, an apex body whose duty is strictly regulate activities within the sand value chain while ensuring environmental conservation, and protection and rehabilitation of Rivers and riparian lands.
“Without a legal framework this was not achievable. Ours was an open space where anything and everything goes but we shall bring order to that,” the Governor emphasized. The County chief noted once streamlined, the sand sub sector will create jobs for Kitui people, but in an orderly manner.
Both the policy framework and the Bill will be presented to the County Assembly where MCAs will subject them to the normal process of legislation geared towards coming up with a law that can be implemented and on whose strength, environment violators can be punished severely.
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