The multimillion-shilling Ngelani quarries have been shut down by the County Government of Machakos over alleged non-compliance of the mining regulations, leaving hundreds of its workers in limbo.

Tens of lorries and truck drivers will also be forced to source building materials from alternative areas.  According to the county cess payment registry, at least 500 lorries and trucks ferry the machine cuts on a daily basis from the expansive 10 quarries in the area.

Residents say at least 1,500 locals work as casual labourers in the quarries earning between Sh600-800 per day.

Shopping Centre

The Ngelani shopping Centre have also registered lucrative business courtesy of the quarries which have been a major source of eking a livelihood to a rampant growing population.

Agitated residents now lament over a looming economic crisis occasioned by the closure, saying it has deepened the current tough economic times they are undergoing.

“I have suddenly lost my source of income. I have been working and living here at Ngelani for 11 years uninterrupted. When we saw county government officials cart away investors machines and indefinitely closed the quarries without any prior notice, my source of livelihood was shut. The quarries closure is a big blow to me and my family, “ said Joel Musui.

Locals also question why the closure operation was carried out during a weekend and why the county was collecting cess on mines now turned illegal.

The residents further appeal to the County Government of Machakos to consider dialogue in resolving the matter in a bid to re-open the quarries.