Pokot Residents Warned Against Gold Mining

By Benson Aswani,

Residents of Tangasia area in Tapach Ward, Pokot South Constituency in West Pokot County have been asked to stay away from gold mining in the area.

As a substitute to mining, the residents have been encouraged to get involved in agriculture so as to make a living since gold mining has been mentioned to be very dangerous to their lives.

The call has been made by Pokot South Deputy County Commissioner Mr David Boen who held a baraza in the area to sensitize the residents on the mining activity.

Speaking after the meeting, the Deputy County Commissioner ordered the residents to cover the holes where they have dug gold to prevent the possibility of children falling in when feeding livestock in those areas.

“We have told these residents to stop the harvesting activity in this area and to close the pits where they have been digging for gold, as it is dangerous for the children who feed the livestock there,” said Boen.

At the same time, the local police commander Said Shungi said that the activity has been banned due to the fact that it has been carried out illegally, and may contribute to insecurity attracting criminals.

“This activity has been going on illegally, and if we allow it to continue, it will contribute to insecurity because it will attract criminals to this area,” said Shungi.

On his part, the Tangasia area chief Mr Samwel Katumon expressed his dismay at the harm that has been caused by the gold harvesting activity.

According to the area chief, the activity has brought with it destruction of farms and the invasion of water sources, a situation that has affected residents and livestock.

“The mining of gold in this area has led to serious consequences, especially the destruction of fields and interference with water sources,” said Katumon.