Quarry miners in Kandundu, Murang’a got a reprieve after they were allowed back after a court order was lifted.
The closure of the mine the biggest in the county was a blow to hundreds of youth, who depend on it for survival after many were sacked from their jobs following outbreak of Covid 19.
Murang’a
Principal Magistrate’s court lifted the order imposed two weeks on
recommendation of public health and Nema after an inspection was conducted.
The
two departments had moved to court after a section of the miners disregarded health
and environmental requirements when operating.
The
order was effected after Nema officer Ms Beatrice Wanjohi and Public Health
Officer Mr Alex Karanja sought for intervention of the court
to paralysis operations to
force the miners comply with the
requirements.
Closure
the mines was blow to the operators as
they were losing over Sh3.5million per day, plus more than 300 youth who work
as casual labourers.
On the other hand Murang’a county government
was losing close to Sh350,000 per day as revenue.
During
the inspection of the mines, Kiharu Assistant County Commissioner Ms Pricillah
Kiluti directed the operators and the workers to adhere to safety guidelines.
The
guidelines by the environmental agency include refilling of the abandoned
mines, erecting perimeter walls, and employees
to have protective gears.
Department of public health ordered in all the
sites there should be pit latrines and handwashing areas.
Closure of Kandundu quarry was a
blow to builders in the counties of Laikipia, Isiolo, Kirinyaga and Nyeri.
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