Illegal sand mining clampdown
Illegal sand miners have been warned to stop their activities or face fines of up to N$500 000 or 25 years imprisonment.
The environmental commissioner's office has visited the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority and read out the riot act, with the aim of putting an end to illegal sand mining activities.
Illegal sand mining is a lucrative business, with construction companies and individuals making millions from selling sand they mine without the appropriate permissions.
These companies are said to pay as little as N$80 per load to traditional authorities and sell them for as much as N$2 000 or more to developers and contractors in urban areas.
However, illegal sand miners in the Oukwanyama authority's jurisdiction were told at a meeting at Ohangwena this week to stop with their activities or face fines of up to N$500 000 or 25 years in jail.
Environment ministry conservation scientist Ipeinge Mundjulu explained to the traditional leadership and other stakeholders that the Environmental Management Act of 2007 says the mining of sand for commercial purposes, without the appropriate permissions, is punishable by law, just like any other crime.
Muundjulu's visit to the traditional authority came a month after environmental commissioner, Theofilus Nghitila visited the Uukwambi Traditional Authority and ordered it to bring an end to illegal sand mining, which has destroyed grazing areas such as those in Iiheke ya Nakele.
Muundjulu instructed all sand miners in Oukwanyama to stop with their activities if they do not have a licence.
He said they should apply for one to avoid being prosecuted.
Muundjulu said a number small businesses, especially those specialising in brickmaking, will be affected by the sudden clampdown, which will leave many jobless.
He instructed the traditional authority to find alternative sites where sand can be mined, while the sand miners apply for environmental clearance certificates.
“We are not here to take away your businesses and employment but we are here to ensure that the Environmental Management Act of 2007, which condemns illegal sand mining, is implemented. We are here to consult you, but also to inform you that as from now on, there will be no more sand mining here without a clearance certificate,” Muundjulu said.
He also warned community members who enter into deals with companies, giving them permission to mine sand in mahangu fields, are doing so illegally. Oukwanyama traditional council chairperson George Nelulu who chaired the meeting agreed with Muundjulu, saying nature should be preserved for the generations to come.
Nelulu said the traditional authority always ensures nature is conserved.
He told Muundjulu the authority is strongly in support of the Environmental Management Act.
KENYA KAMBOWE
Illegal sand mining is a lucrative business, with construction companies and individuals making millions from selling sand they mine without the appropriate permissions.
These companies are said to pay as little as N$80 per load to traditional authorities and sell them for as much as N$2 000 or more to developers and contractors in urban areas.
However, illegal sand miners in the Oukwanyama authority's jurisdiction were told at a meeting at Ohangwena this week to stop with their activities or face fines of up to N$500 000 or 25 years in jail.
Environment ministry conservation scientist Ipeinge Mundjulu explained to the traditional leadership and other stakeholders that the Environmental Management Act of 2007 says the mining of sand for commercial purposes, without the appropriate permissions, is punishable by law, just like any other crime.
Muundjulu's visit to the traditional authority came a month after environmental commissioner, Theofilus Nghitila visited the Uukwambi Traditional Authority and ordered it to bring an end to illegal sand mining, which has destroyed grazing areas such as those in Iiheke ya Nakele.
Muundjulu instructed all sand miners in Oukwanyama to stop with their activities if they do not have a licence.
He said they should apply for one to avoid being prosecuted.
Muundjulu said a number small businesses, especially those specialising in brickmaking, will be affected by the sudden clampdown, which will leave many jobless.
He instructed the traditional authority to find alternative sites where sand can be mined, while the sand miners apply for environmental clearance certificates.
“We are not here to take away your businesses and employment but we are here to ensure that the Environmental Management Act of 2007, which condemns illegal sand mining, is implemented. We are here to consult you, but also to inform you that as from now on, there will be no more sand mining here without a clearance certificate,” Muundjulu said.
He also warned community members who enter into deals with companies, giving them permission to mine sand in mahangu fields, are doing so illegally. Oukwanyama traditional council chairperson George Nelulu who chaired the meeting agreed with Muundjulu, saying nature should be preserved for the generations to come.
Nelulu said the traditional authority always ensures nature is conserved.
He told Muundjulu the authority is strongly in support of the Environmental Management Act.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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