08 May 2020

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in Maun is concerned about illegal mining in Ngamiland district.

In an interview, DEA coordinator, Mr Jobe Manga said incidents of illegal mining of gravel and sand were a concern, noting that the district experienced a construction boom, which had exacerbated the problem.

 

He said many incidents of illegal mining took place in the evening at different places. He warned that a person who mines illegally is liable to a P100 000 fine.

Furthermore, he appreciated the collective efforts by different stakeholders to address issues of illegal mining.

However, it seems some people have taken advantage of extreme social distancing period to illegally mine sand along the Boro water channel.

Some residents along the river reported that some culprits continue to mine sand at Boro water channel during the night.

They were concerned that such practice could affect the environment, present a hazard for livestock and also disturb the water flow.

Following the report, a team of government officials visited the scene on Thursday, May 07 to appreciate the damage and found that indeed sand had been collected right in the centre of the channel that forms part of Thamalakane River.

Mr Manga said upon tracing, they found 15 loads of sand in one of the yards a few meters away from the river.

“We are shocked by the incident because the culprits excavated the sand in the centre of the river, which is a no go area as far as mining is concerned,” he added.

He said they would engage the law enforcement officers to investigate the issue further. In addition, he said they would also engage other stakeholders such as Departments of Water Affairs, Mines, and Land Board to determine what action could be taken.

Mr Manga appealed to miners to follow the right procedure and acquire proper documents to mine legally.

He explained that they should acquire surface rights from land board and a mining prospective licence from department of Mines. ENDS