Plumtree Town Council has raised alarm over the rampant extraction of gravel and pit sand aggregates from undesignated areas within the town which has led to serious environmental degradation and land erosion.
The Council noted that the sand is sold to developers without proper authorisation.
This unchecked exploitation not only poses a threat to the local ecosystem but also exacerbates land degradation, raising concerns for the long-term sustainability of Plumtree Town’s natural resources.
Acting Town Secretary Thembalami Nyoni told CITE that the gravel and sand abstraction is mostly happening in areas bounding Plumtree Town including uninhabited areas within the residential and Industrial areas.
“Offenders are known, we are currently engaging them and notifying them of consequences, thereafter we proceed to fine and prosecute. Fine applicable is a set at level three,” said Nyoni.
He said failure to comply with these regulations will constitute a violation of the Environmental Management Act: Chapter 20:2 section 14 (i) in conjunction with the Plumtree Town Council (Protection of Land and Natural Resources) By-laws of 2015 part (iii) section 8.
The by-law was designed to protect the land and natural resources of the area and cover things like land use, pollution control, wildlife conservation and environmental impact assessment.
“Given the foregoing, property/land developers are advised to purchase aggregates from licensed operators only. Retailers of sand and gravel aggregates are advised to acquire operating licenses to conduct business in Plumtree town,” said Nyoni.
