Interior cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki in white ,Busia deputy governor Arthur Odera, and Busia county commissioner Mr Kipchumba Ruto during inspection of goldmine at Bumutiru village. Photo; Okong'o Oduya
Gold miners at Bumutiru ,Butula in Busia county have been ordered to acquire mining licences before continuing with their businesses.
Interior cabinet Secretary professor Kithure Kindiki ordered the miners to acquire the documents to allow them operate in safe environment.
“The government can’t punish its people,but if there is something pausing danger to our people, we must act. That is why I am directing all the miners here must apply for mining licences from the relevant authority immediately,” he said
While inspecting the site Mr Kindiki directed the National Environmental and management authority Nema in collaboration with Busia county government to seal all disused sharps at the site to prevent any danger they may cause.
“I am also directing National environmental and management authority in consultation and collaboration with county government of Busia to make sure all disused sharps are rehabilitated in compliance with the national and county governments environment and health standards,” said Mr Kindiki
The cabinet Secretary further warned any involvement of the under age in business of any kind at the site adding that there is need for ministry of education and national government administrators to make sure that there is no child engaged in business of any kind at the site.
“Ministry of education and national government administration officers in the county must make sure that there is no child labour at the mining site,” he said
The minister noted that he is setting up a multi agency intergovernmental committee chaired by western region commissioner to develop an environmental and social impact assessment report on the viability and sustainability of the gold at Bumutiru.
“I am setting up multi agency intergovernmental committee chaired by western region commissioner Mr Irungu Macharia to develop an environmental and social impact assessment report on the viability and sustainability of the gold at Bumutiru within 30 days,” he said
He added, “If the report they will get will indicate some signs of danger I will come back ,based on the report to make final decision.”
Butula member of Parliament Mr Joseph Oyula called upon the government to make sure that the mining benefits the locals.
Mr Oyula who accompanied the cabinet secretary noted that it will be of no use if the mining won’t improve lives of the locals.
“My appeal is on the government. In all that you do here let the community here benefit from this mining. It should not be the case where foreigners are brought to take away the fortune and leave the owners with nothing,” said Mr Oyula
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