By Reuben Olita
Police in Teso North Sub-County have launched investigations after a private developer allegedly used explosives to blast rocks on a woman’s acquired parcel of land at Jairos Village in Kamuriai Location.
Residents who spoke to journalists on Friday expressed fears that the explosion may have compromised the structural integrity of nearby buildings, citing concerns over vibrations and flying debris generated by the blast.
One of the residents, Joseph Emukule, called on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), as well as national and county government authorities, to investigate the incident and establish who authorized the use of explosives in a densely populated area.
Human rights activist Peter Opuko questioned how such a potentially dangerous activity could be carried out without prior public sensitization and approval from the relevant government agencies.
Among those affected was Linet Barasa, whose house was partially damaged during the explosion on Thursday. Visibly shaken, Barasa said it was only by luck that her children were not at home at the time of the incident.
“It is through God’s grace that my children were away when the explosion occurred,” she said, while calling on the government to ensure justice is served and that affected residents are compensated for the damages.
Another resident, Sylvia Adung’o, reported that her house developed cracks following the blast. She further accused the developer of collecting stones that had been scattered across neighbouring properties, some as far as 100 metres from the blast site, and transporting them to another location in an alleged attempt to conceal evidence.
Teso North Sub-County Police Commander, Charles Chepkong’a, confirmed that affected residents had recorded statements with the police and that investigations were underway.
Chepkong’a assured residents that the sub-county security team, led by Solomon Kitai, would thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
