Traders and residents from Garissa are calling on the government to lift the ban on gypsum mining, saying the continual closure has had adverse economic effects on their lives.
In August last year, the regional security committee and the county government agreed to suspend all gypsum mining activities with immediate effect following increased insecurity in the mines.
Twelve people had been killed in two separate incidents, among them six students who were shot dead in the outskirts of Garissa town while traveling back home for the August holidays.
During the meeting, which was attended by all leaders from the county, land allocation and demarcation were also suspended.
Yesterday, businessmen, miners and residents pleaded with the government to consider lifting the ban.
Speaking to the press in Ramei, gypsum sites owner Issa Kuno asked why it is still in place when the insecurity has been addressed.
“It is now exactly a year since the government placed a ban on gypsum mining in this area,” he said.
“Back then, they said it was due to insecurity concerns. Personally I have never experienced or witnessed any insecurity related to these activities.”
Gypsum, which is found in Garissa and Tana River counties, is used for ceiling boards, decorations and mouldings.
A tonne goes for Sh5,000.
Kuno said the industry around it was a source of employment to many and also a source of revenue to both the county and national governments.
“We are also appealing to Mining CS Hassan Joho to create time out of his busy schedule and personally visit this place so he can see for himself what we are doing here,” he said.
Ahmed Hassan, the chairman of the gypsum business community in Garissa, said gypsum activities are key to job creation.
“Gypsum mining has contributed significantly to local and national tax revenues, funding critical public services and infrastructure projects. So the government should do the needful thing and allow the companies to resume operations,” he said.
Hassan Keynan, a security guard, said since the mines were closed, he has been unable to fend for his family.
“Our communities used to benefit from the mining companies, especially through employment of our young people, food and water supply during drought seasons, building of madrasas and even paying for teachers in these areas,” he said.
Mariam Ali said insecurity should not be used to curtail genuine companies from carrying out mining activities.
“We do not see any correlation between insecurity in Garissa town and mining activities in the interior parts of the county like Balambala, Korakora and Alinjugur. The government should hear our plea and reopen the mines,” she said.
