Kibaha bans sand mining in Mpiji River valley

KIBAHA: KIBAHA Municipal Council has banned sand mining in the Mpiji River valley at Vikawe Bondeni Street, Pangani Ward, to curb environmental degradation and protect the area from further damage. The Municipal Mayor, Dr Mawazo Nicas announced the decision this week after the council established that no permit had been issued to authorise sand extraction at the site.

The river separates Ubungo Municipality in Dar es Salaam from Kibaha Municipality in Coast Region. Ubungo Municipality had earlier banned sand mining and deployed guards to enforce the restriction, prompting miners to move to the Kibaha side of the river.

During a visit to the site, Dr Nicas found mining activities continuing despite the absence of authorisation from the municipal council. He said the ban was also prompted by concerns over the extensive environmental damage and forecasts of El Niño-related rains, which could increase the risk of flooding.

“On behalf of the Kibaha Municipal Council, from today I suspend sand mining activities in this Mpiji River valley, and no person or vehicle will be allowed to enter the area to collect sand. We are deploying guards, and anyone arrested will face the law,” he said.

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Dr Nicas said the council would deploy patrol guards to protect the area and prevent further environmental degradation. He called for cooperation between Kibaha and Ubungo municipalities to strengthen surveillance and enforcement on both sides of the river.

The mayor warned that anyone violating the directive would be arrested and face legal action in accordance with applicable environmental and mining laws. Kibaha Municipal Environment Officer Byson Mpogoza said the council had not issued any permit for sand mining in the area.

He described the activities as illegal, saying they were being conducted without following the required procedures. The council’s decision is intended to protect the river valley from further damage while strengthening enforcement against unauthorised extraction of natural resources.

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