HLB wins battle against clay poachers, initiates environmental rehabilitation

Fairness Moyana in Hwange

THE Hwange Local Board (HLB) has declared victory in its long battle against illegal clay poaching and unauthorised brick moulding, announcing that it will embark on an extensive rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring the heavily scarred environment.

For over a decade, the local authority has faced relentless challenges from illegal clay poachers and brick moulders operating in areas such as Don Bosco, Empumalanga and Baobab Extension. Their activities have resulted in significant environmental degradation and infrastructure destruction.

In response to inquiries, HLB Acting Town Secretary Mr Paulos Mabhureni stated that the council has succeeded in bringing order to a situation that had rendered some areas unserviceable.

He said the illegal practices had left 10 residential stands in low-density areas unsuitable for development, prompting the need for council to relocate the affected property owners.

“We can confidently say that we have successfully curbed the illegal poaching of clay soil and unauthorised brick moulding activities that have plagued our jurisdiction for over fifteen years,” Mr Mabhureni said.

“Three months ago, we engaged with the illegal brick moulders multiple times, educating them about the severe consequences of their actions, which led to significant land degradation and environmental harm. We made a heartfelt plea for them to cease operations.”

The local authority conducted awareness campaigns among the illegal operators, emphasising its plans for rehabilitation and encouraging their departure from the area.

“A notable number of individuals responded positively and vacated, but we had to resort to minimal force for those who resisted. We confiscated their tools, including bricks, destroyed freshly moulded bricks and dismantled the makeshift shelters they occupied.”

The confiscated bricks will be repurposed for the construction of various public buildings.

“It is essential to understand that our primary goal was not to seize bricks but to remove the illegal brick moulders, paving the way for a comprehensive rehabilitation effort unimpeded by their presence. Although we cannot accurately quantify the financial losses stemming from our battle against clay poaching and illegal brick moulding, initial estimates exceed US$30 000,” he said.

This figure includes penalties imposed by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and associated costs from various land rehabilitation projects carried out over the years, the most recent of which is ongoing.

He said council plans to initiate a substantial reforestation project in the affected areas, alongside a fish farming initiative to generate additional income.

“Having successfully eradicated these illegal activities, our focus now shifts toward environmental rehabilitation. We intend to undertake a large-scale reforestation project and convert some of the pits created by clay poaching into fish ponds. Developing a fish farming project is part of our income-generating initiatives. We remain committed to restoring the area and will continue monitoring the situation to ensure long-term sustainability,” Mr Mabhureni said.