Water Resource Authority Issues Stern Warning to Land Grabbers Targeting Protected Lamu Dunes

By mandela Onuka

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has issued a directive to individuals illegally occupying and subdividing gazetted wetlands and sand dunes in Lamu County ordering cease such activities or facee prosecution.

The directive comes in the wake of WRA board members doing a tour visit of the gazetted Lamu sand dunes along the Lamu coastline that are legally protected as water catchment areas.

Speaking to the media today, WRA chairman Donald Murgor stated that the authority was aware of the surge in illegal encroachments including the erection of semi-permanent structures, fencing, and land clearing, and was keen to ensure that enforcement was done curbing the illegal encroachment.

He said that WRA would also be doing a sensitisation drive informing the public over the need to protect the water catchment area, which he added is likely being grabbed by afew well connected individuals.

“WRA will soon be doing a tree planting drive as well within the sand dune area to plant indigenous trees in order to ensure that Lamu does not lose its primary fresh water aquifer,” he said.

He stated that no one should continue occupying gazzetted land under the pretext of having a title deed, and should seek compensation for that title as the land should be conserved.

These dunes are critical for recharging underground aquifers, which serve as the primary source of fresh water for the residents of Lamu Island and the surrounding mainland.

Murgor disclosed the authority was working with a multi agency team that includes the county government, Lamu Water Resource Users Authority and the public administration to ensure that the lamu sand dunes are well protected.

WRA chief executive officer Mohammed Shurie echoed the same sentiments calling on those in receipt of legal title deeds for Shela Sand dunes area to relinquish them and seek compensation in a bid to preserve county’s fresh water source.

“The government is ready to compensate those who reach out to them following the gazzetement of the Lamu sand dunes areas done in 2021,” he said.

“11,000 square kilometres the Lamu Sand dune area will be fenced in a bid to prevent encroachment and land grabbing by anyone.”

The CEO called on the public, particularly residents of Lamu, to report any incidents of encroachment or illegal activity within the gazetted areas and stated that the government would continue being vigilant against encroachment of the two gazetted wetlands areas.

The authority has pledged to enhance surveillance and patrols in collaboration with the National Police Service and the county government to prevent further encroachment.

Lamu Tourism Association member and Shela youth representative Jamil Mohammed who lauded the national government for showing initiative in ensuring the Lamu sand dunes are protected.

He reported that the destruction of the dunes has accelerated in recent months leading to increased salinity in nearby wells and a noticeable decline in water levels.

“The sand dunes are our lifeline. When you destroy them for a temporary plot of land, you are destroying the future water supply for thousands of people,” Save Lamu secretary general Mohammed Athmmand said.