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Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA), in collaboration with the police, have arrested 40 sand poachers, roadside sand vendors, and transporters in Harare, Ruwa, Chitungwiza, and Epworth.
In an interview on Monday, EMA Harare provincial manager Mr Leon Mutungamiri said the operation is targeting sand poachers.
“The sand extraction operation also targets all those individuals who are selling sand by the roadside. The operation order is focused mainly on illegal sand poachers, roadside sand vending, illegal brick moulding activities, and the transportation of sand without a permit,” Mr Mutungamiri said.
He said Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 prohibits illegal sand excavation and vending.
“No person shall excavate, remove, or possess sand deposits for commercial purposes without a license issued by the Agency. Any truck found transporting sand without a permit will be impounded. All vendors selling sand and bricks by the roadside should desist; they risk being taken to court and fined,” he added.
He urged residents to purchase sand from registered companies.
“I urge all those involved in construction to play an active role in preventing land degradation by purchasing sand from registered sand mining companies. Citizens in the Harare Metropolitan area should shun buying sand from illegal sand extractors. Make your environment your pride and responsibility,” he added.
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