01 Jul 2013

Some councillors have suggested that provision be made for communities living along rivers where sand is mined to benefit from the money spinning natural resource to further their developments.

They said during the just ended Southern District full council that whereas companies that mined sand raked in a lot of money, communities living along such rivers had been left in the lurch.

Councillor for Molapowabojang East, Mr Nelson Letshabo said although the company that constructed Good Hope Senior Secondary School got the sand deposit from Molapowabojang, the community got nothing to show for its good gesture. 

Still on sand, councillors expressed shock that sand mining had continued despite the decision to freeze its extraction to allow for the rivers to recuperate following indiscriminate mining.

They also called on those charged with the responsibility to award mining rights to contractors to closely monitor sand mining activities and put in place stringent measures to curb recklessness by miners.

Councillor for Ranaka, Mr Kenalemongwe Mopipi said it was imperative for both department of mines and land board to ensure they take on board communities within which sand was mined prior to issuance of permits to try keep at bay any conflicting issues that could arise.

“Rivers are water sources for many small farmers as they act as livestock watering points especially during dry spells and we have had instances where those given a leeway to mine end up tempering with these water points,” he said. 

Nominated councillor, Mr Alec Seametso wanted to know if environmental impact aAssessment (EIA) formed part of the requisites before issuance of sand extraction licences. 

Ngwaketse land board secretary, Ms Gabofete Raditladi explained that the mandate of the issuance of sand mining permits was the sole responsibility of the Department of Mines. “They are the ones charged with issuance of mining rights while the land board is responsible for surface rights,” she said.

She added that the freezing and lifting thereof of sand mining remained the sole responsibility of the Department of Mines. She said prior to granting surface rights, many factors such as consultation with community within the mining area are considered and that the area in question is clearly demarcated to avoid permit holders going beyond specified parameters.

Ms Raditladi said although they did not place much emphasis on EIA, the board acknowledged its importance because it would help do away with any conflict. She explained that any contravention of the agreement would have perpetrators blacklisted.

The board secretary also briefed councillors about the Southern District Integrated Land Use Plan which she said would provide guidance on land activities to be given priority. ENDS