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Residents in Epworth have raised concern over the sand poaching in the area.The situation is so shocking as the poachers have resorted to poaching the sand fron the cemetery and residents have called for urgent action to curb this practice.
Sand poachers have become a menace in the area and hundreds of hectares of land have been destroyed.
The huge demand in pit sand has been fanned by the rise in construction projects across Epworth and in Glenwood.
The Environmental Management Agency has been conducting raids in the area but their efforts have been compounded by corruption as some members of the municipal councils are said to be operating their own sand poaching business.
A resident who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity confirmed this development.
“EMA is actively involved in the fight against sand poaching syndicates but the problem is their efforts are being frustrated by some members of the municipal police, who have vested interests in the activity and will never bite the hands that feeds them”,the source said.
Sand poaching is a lucrative business and the poaching syndicates are said to be making a killing from the business.
Illegal sand mining is a serious offence in the country.As such,the laws requires that those who are involved in the practice,be registered with the local councils.
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