RUKUNGIRI – The Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Bron Kikanshemeza, has warned against environmental degradation, citing wetland encroachment and uncontrolled sand mining as the primary threats to the district.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking to this reporter at his office, Kikanshemeza expressed concern that residents are increasingly cultivating wetlands, cutting down vegetation, and engaging in activities that are destroying the local ecosystem.
The RDC revealed that the situation has escalated to legal action, disclosing that a court case involving environmental officers is currently underway in connection with the degradation.
CUE IN: RDC ON ECOSYSTEM ENCROACHMENT
Kikanshemeza raised specific alarm over the continuous extraction of sand from the Rushaya and Minera Rivers, warning that the unchecked mining is weakening riverbanks and posing a severe threat to local infrastructure.
He noted that the Rushaya Bridge has already collapsed, while the Minera Bridge is reportedly at risk of collapsing. He added that the mining has also led to the failure of irrigation schemes along the rivers, dealing a blow to agricultural activities in the area.
“The Rushaya Bridge has already collapsed, while the Minera Bridge is reportedly at risk of collapsing,” the RDC stated.
The RDC further alleged corruption among environmental officials, noting that the matter has been reported to authorities and that the alleged involvement of officials in illegal activities is making enforcement difficult.
CUE IN: RDC ON ENFORCEMENT
During a recent monitoring exercise in Bwambara Sub-county, the issue was raised before the Minister of Security and the Member of Parliament for Rujumbura Constituency, who both condemned the practice.
The RDC’s office has since notified the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which has pledged to intervene, and has written to the Office of the President seeking support to stop sand mining in the Rushaya and Minera Rivers.
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