RWAMAGANA - Rwamagana district leaders have warned the public against stone quarrying without complying with the environmental protection guidelines, failure to which culprits face heavy penalties.

The absence of strict supervision over stone quarrying and sand harvesting in most districts has exposed the entire Eastern Province to environmental degradation.

Emmanuel Rwakayigamba, the official in charge of water and environmental protection in the district, said that some people stubbornly decline to adhere to the environmental laws.

"All those involved in stone and sand extraction should first be cleared by our offices. But it is lamentable that some of them don’t live to the expectation. When the stone extraction is completed, one is expected to plant trees to cover the bare land,” he said.

Rwakayigamba further noted that workers undertaking such activities must be provided with protective gear.

"We do not only seek to protect the physical environment alone, but also the social environment. Men at work must wear boots, gloves, masks, etc...But employers don’t care and workers are ignorant of their rights.”

Separately, the district Mayor, Nehemiah Uwimana, reiterated the need to protect the environment.

He warned that an operation would be soon conducted to identify possible culprits.

"We are very strict on environmental issues. This is where our daily lives depend. So, I warn all those going against the law that they will soon be in trouble,” he said.

Boniface Ntirenganya, the Director of Planning in Eastern Province, urged residents to be environmentally conscious.

"All districts should be compelled to enforce laws and prosecute those who wilfully degrade the environment,” he said.

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