MUGABE R
Residents of Bwambara Sub County in Rukungiri District who live along River Rushaya have expressed dissatisfaction with the way authorities are implementing environmental protection guidelines along the river, saying enforcement has not been taken seriously.
Earlier this year, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Rukungiri, Buroni Kikanshemeza, suspended sand mining activities along River Rushaya as part of efforts to protect the nearby bridge from possible destruction and to preserve the surrounding environment. The directive required miners to relocate their activities to a designated area at the extreme end of the river.
Later, the RDC’s office through the Commissioner in the Office of the President, Major Martha Asiimwe, visited the site and ordered the immediate evacuation of all sand mining activities. The order was issued due to concerns that the continued extraction of sand could damage the bridge, weaken nearby electricity poles, and cause diversion of the river’s natural course.
However, residents say the directive has not been effectively implemented, as sand mining activities are still ongoing near the sensitive areas.
Some residents from Kikarara say the continued activity threatens the future of the bridge and electricity infrastructure that connects the communities of Rwenshama and surrounding areas, which rely on the route for trade and social services.
Others have expressed surprise that sand mining continues despite the clear directive issued by the authorities, warning that the nearby electricity poles could collapse if the activity persists.
Meanwhile, the Rukungiri District Principal Environment Officer, Caroline Mbabazi, acknowledged that the authorities are aware of the ongoing activities and said efforts are underway to manage the situation.
The RDC, Buroni Kikanshemeza, has since urged the public and those involved in sand mining to comply with the directives as authorities prepare to enforce the regulations more strictly in order to safeguard the environment and public infrastructure.
