{"id":284708,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/284708/?format=json","text_counter":215,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Mr. Murgor","speaker_title":"The Assistant Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources","speaker":{"id":90,"legal_name":"Julius Recha Murgor","slug":"julius-murgor"},"content":" Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to reply. (a) I am aware of illegal sand harvesting activities in Muangini and Muoni rivers in Nzaui and Mukaa districts, in contravention of Section 9 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, Act No. 8 of 1999. (b) Through the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministry will take the following measures to ensure that sand harvesting activities take place only in sites licensed by the NEMA:- (i) urging the local communities in areas where sand is harvested to form riparian resource management associations to assist in environmental conservation efforts along the river channels; (ii) holding barazas to educate the local communities on the dangers and consequences of illegal sand harvesting activities and the need to conserve water resources; and, (iii) arresting and instituting prosecution against illegal sand transporters."}