Govt backs switch to manufactured sand in construction
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Illegal sand mining has dire environmental consequences
A workshop held by the Department of Mines in collaboration with Botswana Geoscience in Gaborone this week revealed that the characteristics of mortars and concrete using manufactured sand as fine aggregate are superior when compared to the natural sand as fine aggregate.
According to a principal economic geologist for Botswana Geoscience, Nggie Wantlo compared to the natural sand, manufactured sand is cheaper and stronger.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...