Illegal sand mining poses danger to farmers

In his address at the just-ended full council session, NWDC chairperson, Itumeleng Kelebetseng Kelebetseng said illicit mining of construction materials is a big problem in their district. He also stated it was crucial to the indiscriminate illegal mining of aggregates, especially river sand, which is currently turning into a national security concern. Kelebetseng added that illicit sand mining is mostly carried out along river channels, especially those of the Shashe, Boro, and Boronyane rivers, endangering farmers and cattle as well as adversely affecting other functions that the riverine ecosystem provides.

Additionally, he mentioned that unlawful concrete stone extraction is still occurring in the Toteng area, specifically in Tali Pan. Kelebetseng acknowledged the efforts made by law enforcement agencies in fighting the problem. This has proved to be a challenge to the department, hence a call for all relevant institutions, including law enforcement agencies to collaborate in order to deter such illegal actions, he added. He also encouraged the district at large to increase law enforcement operations and erect some warning boards against illegal mining.