{"id":387075,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/387075/?format=json","text_counter":88,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Mbai","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":181,"legal_name":"Benson Itwiku Mbai","slug":"benson-mbai"},"content":"Sand harvesting is causing serious environmental degradation in our rivers and roads, especially in Ikaatini, Kangonde, Kivaa and Muthesya locations, in Masinga Constituency. As a result, water has become scarce and the roads have been destroyed by the heavy commercial lorries carrying sand. Sand harvesting has also contributed to high incidences of school drop-outs and drug abuse in the areas affected."}