Kitui: The Kitui County Security Committee has imposed a ban on sand harvesting near river bridges, highlighting concerns that the practice undermines bridge foundations and poses a risk of collapse, particularly during periods of heavy rain and flooding.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui identified the Kwa Masesi Bridge across River Tiva on the Kitui-Machakos road as one of the structures at risk due to unchecked sand harvesting. Mbui emphasized that the collapse of such bridges could significantly disrupt transportation between Kitui and Machakos counties, negatively impacting the movement of people and goods and potentially hindering business activities.
Mbui, who chairs the County Security Committee, addressed these concerns during an inspection of bridges along the road, accompanied by members of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Kitui County Government. He urged residents involved in sand harvesting to adhere to environmental regulations to protect the river ecosystems, water reservoirs, and road infrastructure.
‘We appreciate the availability of sand as a natural resource beneficial to local residents along the rivers, but it is crucial to protect these rivers, as they are major sources of water for domestic use and small-scale irrigation farming,’ Mbui stated. He acknowledged the economic value of sand but urged responsible harvesting away from bridge structures.
KeNHA Lower Eastern Region Inspector Bashir Osman explained that the stability of the Tiva Bridge is dependent on its foundations and supporting columns, which bear the structure’s weight and that of crossing vehicles. He warned that sand removal around the bridge exposes its foundations, compromising their stability.
Osman advised residents against sand harvesting near the bridge, recommending a one-kilometer buffer zone on either side of the structure. He mentioned that KeNHA plans to backfill exposed foundations and undertake protective measures to fortify the bridge before the rainy season, as well as repair any damaged sections of its supporting structures.
In addition to sand harvesting concerns, Mbui highlighted recurring issues with vandalism and theft of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) transformers across the county. He cautioned that individuals involved in these illegal activities would face legal consequences once identified and prosecuted. The commissioner praised security forces for recovering transformers suspected to have been stolen from the Kisasi and Katulani areas and urged residents to collaborate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
Kitui County Executive Committee Member for Energy, Environment, Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources, Richard John Mwendandu, announced that the county government intends to introduce measures to regulate sand harvesting along rivers. These initiatives aim to safeguard infrastructure while ensuring that communities can benefit from natural resources without harming the environment.
Mwendandu stated that the county government would enhance environmental awareness campaigns and support riverbank communities in adopting irrigated agriculture and alternative income-generating activities. By promoting alternative livelihoods, the county seeks to reduce reliance on sand harvesting, improve household incomes, and protect water sources. He encouraged residents to participate in conservation efforts and report activities threatening rivers and other natural resources.
