Garissa leaders urge government to lift year-long ban on gypsum mining

Gypsum miners and community leaders in Garissa have urged the government to lift the ban on gypsum mining that was imposed a year ago due to security concerns.

Speaking to the press on Saturday in Garissa town, the local miners and community representatives appealed to the government to reconsider the ban, which they say has deprived them of economic opportunities.

In a statement read by Mohamed Yarrow, an official representing the affected companies, he noted that the suspension has profoundly impacted the traders, the communities living around the mining sites, and the youth who benefited from casual labour jobs.

"Several opportunities were lost after killings related to land disputes within Garissa town were wrongfully linked to the mining activities by individuals with vested interests in the business. Unfortunately, the government imposed the ban without conducting investigations to uncover the facts," said Mohamed.

He added that despite efforts to associate insecurity with the mining sites, there is no direct link between the insecurity in Garissa town and the rural mining areas.

"The responsibility to provide security for life and property lies squarely with the government's security apparatus, not the miners. The government should enable a conducive business environment, not stifle businesses," he claimed.

Mohamed also highlighted how gypsum mining has significantly contributed to local and national tax revenues, funding critical public services and infrastructure projects.

"The sector generated Sh8 million annually for the Garissa County government. Its suspension has led to a loss of revenue, hindering development initiatives," he stated.

Siyat Abdullahi, a community leader, emphasised how local communities benefited from mining activities through job opportunities and corporate social responsibility projects, such as water initiatives.

He questioned how long the ban would remain in place, noting that it has been almost a year since the ban was unfairly imposed.