Lilongwe Cracks Down on Illegal Sand Mining
During the 2024 tree planting exercise, the Lilongwe city council targets planting over 100,000 trees.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Lilongwe City Council says it will take stern action against people engaged in illegal sand mining in residential areas in its effort to make the city a better place to live, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
"We will use our bylaws to deal with the culprits as a deterrent to other would-be offenders," Mayor Banda said at the launch of the 2024 tree planting season in Lilongwe.
According to the mayor, illegal sand and quarry mining contribute greatly to flooding in the city, which is worrisome and constrains the council's "Greening Lilongwe City Campaign."
He called on members of the public to be vigilant and report anyone mining sand illegally in residential areas, saying the practice destroys the environment.
Lilongwe city center member of parliament Alfred Jiya urged the community to join the council in preserving the environment.
Jiya expressed concern over residents cutting down trees and building along riverbanks, saying the malpractice increases flood risk.
During the 2024 tree planting exercise, the Lilongwe city council targets planting over 100,000 trees.
The development follows the national tree planting season's formal inauguration by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on January 18 in Phalombe District.
"We must protect our city from environmental degradation," Mayor Banda said.