By: Annakleta Haikera and Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus
Sand and gravel gravel miners in Kavango East are said to be mining with no regard for the environment, leading to the uprooting of trees, and disturbance of river biodiversity.
This is according to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism following various mining site visits.
A compliance order is being prepared for all of these sites to stop mining until their activities are legally approved and risk-assessed.
These sand gravel miners dredge and mine sand along various Kavango River branches and around Rundu. According to the Ministry, the mining activities are not conducted with environmental and water provisions, posing serious environmental, health, and safety risks.
As a result, Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti ordered the immediate cease of sand operations, warning of police intervention should the directive not be upheld.
The miners were also consulted on the sand and gravel mining regulations, held as part of discussions on proposed amendments to the Environmental Management Act and new regulations to govern the sector.
Some miners claimed their activities helped the river flow smoother, as a result of mining sand in the area. Small miners charge around N$300 to N$400 per heap of sand, which they sell to various contractors. However, none of them had authorisation to mine beyond municipality permission.
“We are not against sand mining. We need sand and gravel for development. We cannot build roads, towns or infrastructure without these commodities. What we want is to make sure it is done properly,” Mufeti noted.
He said while sand and gravel are essential for development, poor management has already resulted in loss of lives, environmental degradation, damaged infrastructure, and growing health hazards in various parts of the country.
“We have seen people and animals dying after falling into unrehabilitated pits. We have seen dust becoming a health hazard, either at mining sites or from trucks transporting sand. If we do not control this, we will end up with pits all over the country, and we do not want that,” added Mufeti.
He added that with sustainable practices in place, sand mining could take place with minimal disruption, remarking that “If it is done properly, you will not even notice that sand is being mined.”
Mufeti further stressed that rehabilitation of borrow pits should be a key requirement, indicating that abandoned mining sites could be transformed into productive assets.
“Rehabilitated pits can be turned into water sources, aquaculture projects, earth dams, or other community-benefitting uses,” he said.
In Rundu, where sand mining is mainly concentrated along the river, Mufeti said authorities aim to protect the river system while also exploring tourism potential.
“That area can be turned into a serious tourism facility if managed correctly,” he said.
He also encouraged continued public participation, noting that the consultation process is ongoing.
“This process does not end here. Draft documents will be shared, and people must feel free to continue contributing until the process is finalised,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rundu Rural Constituency Councillor, Paulus Mbangu, cautioned against concentrating sand and gravel mining approval powers in the hands of a single individual, warning that such an approach could expose the system to corruption and abuse.
Mbangu proposed the establishment of a multi-sectoral committee or commission to approve applications, arguing that it would be harder to compromise a group than one person. He also called for mandatory financial guarantees to ensure rehabilitation and raised concerns about the use of chemicals and pesticides, as well as the duration of mining permits.
On the other hand, sand mining operator Tino Wakudumo highlighted the livelihoods dependent on the sector, saying many residents in the Kavango regions rely on sand mining to survive.
“Some men spend up to 24 hours at the river digging sand just to provide for their families,” Wakudumo said.
He added that women also sell food items along the riverbanks to earn a living, urging authorities to strike a balance between environmental protection and safeguarding livelihoods for communities with limited economic alternatives.
