News / Regional
Sand poachers causing serious environmental degradation in Tsholotsho
14 Jul 2014 at 15:19hrs | Views
Sand poachers and brick moulders are wreaking havoc in Tsholotsho causing serious environmental degradation with most parts of the Matabeleland North district slowly turning into gullies.
Locals have expressed serious concerns that their environs are turning into an eyesore, but those involved in these illegal activities seem to be making a killing at the expense of the environment.
Sand poachers are said to be realising a lot of money from the sale of bricks made from the poached sand.
Tsholotsho villagers have urged Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to take the issue of land degradation seriously, as hefty fines seem not to be abating the problem.
Sand poaching attracts a fine of $5 000.
"Where is EMA in Tsholotsho, as river sand poaching is on the increase. River sand is highly poached daily with bricks moulded from it. Individuals are selling and benefiting yet the community will have to live with the bad effects of land degradation," said a villager, Majaha Ncube.
He said the most affected wards are 13, 11, 6 and five.
"There is also pit and river sand abstraction, bricks moulded from pit sand for individual selling and we feel EMA should come in and stop this," said Ncube.
He said unlicensed brick moulders and sand poachers scalp off the grass, scooping tonnes of soil causing damage to the environment and the ecosystem.
"Daily men and some boys are seen loading shovelfuls of soil onto trucks and making off with trucks carrying heaped sand or bricks baked in makeshift kilns dotted around the area," said Ncube.
According a snap survey, areas where moulded bricks are sold include Malila village in ward 4 and ward 5, bebind Sipepa beer garden, Luwilil village, Ntumbamayi village and Capuka village.
Villagers also complained of cutting down of indigenous trees in ward 6, Zibawini village, areas leading to Mpanidziba and Thonisani in ward 5.
"Until a lasting solution is found, these brick moulders and sand poachers will continue to cause land degradation in Tsholotsho," said another villager, Mandisi Moyo.
EMA spokesperson Steady Kangata has also been quoted expressing concern that the sand poachers were wrecking havoc despite heavy fines that are imposed on culprits.
Courtesy of
Locals have expressed serious concerns that their environs are turning into an eyesore, but those involved in these illegal activities seem to be making a killing at the expense of the environment.
Sand poachers are said to be realising a lot of money from the sale of bricks made from the poached sand.
Tsholotsho villagers have urged Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to take the issue of land degradation seriously, as hefty fines seem not to be abating the problem.
Sand poaching attracts a fine of $5 000.
"Where is EMA in Tsholotsho, as river sand poaching is on the increase. River sand is highly poached daily with bricks moulded from it. Individuals are selling and benefiting yet the community will have to live with the bad effects of land degradation," said a villager, Majaha Ncube.
He said the most affected wards are 13, 11, 6 and five.
He said unlicensed brick moulders and sand poachers scalp off the grass, scooping tonnes of soil causing damage to the environment and the ecosystem.
"Daily men and some boys are seen loading shovelfuls of soil onto trucks and making off with trucks carrying heaped sand or bricks baked in makeshift kilns dotted around the area," said Ncube.
According a snap survey, areas where moulded bricks are sold include Malila village in ward 4 and ward 5, bebind Sipepa beer garden, Luwilil village, Ntumbamayi village and Capuka village.
Villagers also complained of cutting down of indigenous trees in ward 6, Zibawini village, areas leading to Mpanidziba and Thonisani in ward 5.
"Until a lasting solution is found, these brick moulders and sand poachers will continue to cause land degradation in Tsholotsho," said another villager, Mandisi Moyo.
EMA spokesperson Steady Kangata has also been quoted expressing concern that the sand poachers were wrecking havoc despite heavy fines that are imposed on culprits.
Courtesy of
Source - www.radiodialogue.com
