Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has raised concern over continued illegal sand abstraction and land degradation in Bulawayo.

EMA singled out Cowdray Park and Pumula suburbs and the Bulawayo City Council’s Mazwi Farm as the worst affected parts in Bulawayo.

The authority’s Provincial Environmental Manager, Mr Decent Ndlovu said anyone found digging or transporting sand illegally will be liable to a fine of up to $5 000 or one year imprisonment.

“The rampant sand poaching is one of the challenges affecting the local authority. To address this challenge, the agency has continued to enforce the law through prosecution of offenders.

“Over and above other environmental challenges, the problem of illegal sand abstraction is rampant in some areas, having caused loss of lives in some instances.

“Recently a man died after a shaft collapsed on him and he was buried under ground for some days before other illegal panners discovered his body. People are constantly getting injured during the illegal exercise with some even engaging in scary fights over sites. Such are the disasters occurring at these places,” said Mr Ndlovu.

In some areas, Ndlovu added, deep pits have been opened and left uncovered posing serious danger to communities.

People, both children and even adults have drowned in these open pits that are not filled up after the sand abstractions.

He said the practice also results in siltation of rivers and dams.

“The public is advised to desist from extracting and transporting sand or pit sand without a licence as it is against the law. We want to remind the public that if found breaking the law, they will be charged.

“We would like to announce to the public that we are engaging the police and local authorities to arrest anyone found guilty of any of these offences. There is no negotiation for these offences when found guilty,” said Mr Ndlovu.

The EMA official said land degradation was threatening infrastructure such as roads and electricity pylons.

“Anyone who intends to engage in sand transportation should have a sand transportation licence and should obtain the sand from licensed sites. The licences are issued to local authorities as well as individuals who are able to produce a detailed excavation and environmental rehabilitation plan for the site to prevent land degradation,” added the EMA provincial manager.— @winnie_masara