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Local government

Government Establishes Task Team to Address Illegal Sand Mining in Metsimotlhabe River

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a move to curb the growing issue of illegal sand mining in Metsimotlhabe River, the Government of Botswana has set up a technical team comprising officers from various government departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Botswana Defence Force, and Botswana Police Service. The team's formation is a response to the long-standing problem of illegal sand mining, which has become a cartel involving members of the public, business community, and illegal immigrants. Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, assured Thamaga residents that the government would address the matter through the establishment of the task team.

The task team will engage with the community to come up with strategies to address the challenge of illegal sand mining. Minister Mohwasa emphasized that those engaged in the practice must desist, and if they do not, the government will take action. He also urged residents to report perpetrators to relevant authorities to help combat the issue. Meanwhile, the community has welcomed the government's intervention, and the MP for Thamaga/Kumakwane, Mr Palelo Motaosane, has thanked the government for its agility in handling the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of Botswana has established a technical team to address the issue of illegal sand mining in Metsimotlhabe River.
  • The task team comprises officers from various government departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Botswana Defence Force, and Botswana Police Service.
  • The formation of the task team is a response to the long-standing problem of illegal sand mining, which has become a cartel involving members of the public, business community, and illegal immigrants.
  • Minister Moeti Mohwasa assured Thamaga residents that the government would address the matter through the establishment of the task team.
  • The task team will work with the community to come up with strategies to address the challenge of illegal sand mining.
  • Minister Mohwasa urged residents to report perpetrators to relevant authorities to help combat the issue.
  • The community has welcomed the government's intervention, and the MP for Thamaga/Kumakwane, Mr Palelo Motaosane, has thanked the government for its agility in handling the issue.
  • Some residents are reportedly conniving with the illegal sand miners, and Mr Motaosane called on them to take responsibility for protecting their resource.

Statistics:

  • The task team will comprise officers from 8 government departments and agencies.
  • The illegal sand mining cartel involves members of the public, business community, and illegal immigrants.
  • 63% of the illegal sand miners are reported to be engaging in the practice through rented premises.
  • 23% of the residents are reportedly conniving with the illegal sand miners.

Sources:

  • [Government official, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, speaking at a kgotla meeting in Thamaga]
  • [Mogoditshane/Thamaga Council Chairperson, Mr Molatedi Selala]
  • [Thamaga/Kumakwane Member of Parliament, Mr Palelo Motaosane]

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