Public warned against illegal sand mining

Members of the public are warned against illegal sand mining. This practice, which has significant environmental impacts, reportedly recently occurred under a bridge on the D4399, prompting this warning.

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) said this activity could lead to the collapse of the bridge, with severe consequences such as loss of life, disruption of transport and substantial financial loss for repairs.

The DPWRT’s spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini said: “When the pillars of bridges are exposed in such a way, we find that bridges or culverts can collapse. It can also cause sinkholes next to the road where sand is extracted. The road infrastructure can collapse at any time.”

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Dhlamini urged local community leaders and traditional leaders to advise the public against the illegal activity. “Members of the community who wish to mine sand are encouraged to obtain a valid sand mining permit, an environmental authorisation and a rehabilitation plan,” he said.

The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality’s spokesperson, Fhumulani Thovhakale, added that the municipality does not currently have sand mining by-laws, but works with the Inkomati Usuthu Catchment Management Agency to enforce by-laws outlined by the National Environmental Management Waste Act 59 of 2008.

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She also highlighted that the municipality collaborates with traditional leaders to conduct awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices. Thovhakale said individuals or entities caught illegally mining sand will face legal action, including directives and fines.