13 Feb 2014

Parliament has been informed that illegal sand mining is a country wide problem which has not spared most resourced rivers such as Thalogang and Mphane as well as other tributaries flowing into Shashe River.

Responding to a parliamentary question on behalf of the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse said the Department of Mines continued to monitor all the rivers and areas prone to illegal mining practices and in some instances engaged the Botswana Police Service during their patrols and inspections.

He said there were no existing mineral concessions along the entire Thalogang River or any other tributaries feeding into Shashe River.

Mr Seretse said the last two mineral concessions for river sand along Thalogang River expired on June 28, 2012 and October 14, the same year, while there are currently only two valid mining concessions of river sand along Shashe River.

The minister further noted that from time to time, the Department of Mines conducted inspections and surveys to check for compliance to the Mines and Minerals Act.

He also said the last inspections were conducted between January 9 and 15 this year, while for the past few weeks the routine inspections have been negatively affected by the rains as most areas were not easily accessible.

MP for Gaborone South, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi had wanted to know whether the minister was aware of the illegal sand harvesting along Thalogang River from Makobo to Borolong villages.

He also asked the minister to state the number of mining licences that were issued for sand harvesting along the river and when last a survey was conducted to check compliance with the terms of such licences. ENDS