20 Feb 2019

Some residents of Garanta ward in Molepolole have expressed frustration over an old burrow pit that was used for excavation of sand in the past, but has now been turned into a mining hole that stretches over a considerable number of square metres.

This came to light in a meeting that was organised by ward development and neighbourhood watch committees. 

The committees had arranged for a media tour to appreciate the extent of danger the community was exposed to.

Residents said the burrow pit was a disaster waiting to happen and they feared for their lives especially that of children. 

They also stated that the illegal activities at the area threatened their structures and the environment.

Of major concern was that the culprits, whom they alleged were foreigners, excavated huge amounts of pit sand for commercial purposes.

 Residents state that in 2004, two illegal miners died after sand collapsed on them.

In an interview, Garanta neighbourhood watch committee chairperson, Mr Malaki Selema said illegal sand mining was a serious concern. 

He said illegal miners gave them sleepless nights.

He said last week, they caught six Zimbabwean men red handed and had cash amounting to P3 100. 

He said the miners conducted their business between 2 and 4a.m. 

Mr Selema said efforts made to report the culprits to law enforcement authorities were fruitless because they easily paid off charges levelled against them because they made a kill from selling sand.

Now, residents wanted the illegal activity to stop immediately. 

They wanted the area enclosed with a fence and any movement restricted. 

Otherwise, they alleged it would remain a death trap since the high walls were unstable and might collapse any given time given the rainy season.

Although residents tried policing the area 24/7, culprits often found a way out. 

This then led to damage of underground pipes distributing potable water thus worsening the already bad water situation in the village.

Boribamo East councillor, Mr Moses Mmualefhe, said he was aware of the matter and council authorities as well as the department of mines were aware. 

He explained that the two authorities were working on temporary measures to curb illegal sand mining in the area. 

He said they were contemplating digging a deep hole to prevent vehicles from accessing the borrow pit. 

This, he said, would serve as a temporary deterrent while permanent solutions were being sought.

The said burrow pit was started in the 80s and closed in 2005. Ends