Abstract
Sand is a mineral resource and a product of weathering processes. It is one of the most consumed resources on earth because of its many uses in the construction industry. The development of infrastructure, such as roads, houses, and schools is dependent on sand. However, despite its many uses, sand mining is the least controlled activity and one of the biggest problems to the environment and society worldwide. The poor regulation of sand, inconsistencies in issuing environmental authorizations and inadequate human capacity in state departments has resulted in the emergence of unregulated sand mining operations, especially in rural areas where soil is poorly regulated. Illegal sand mining operations often result to environmental and social impacts which for long have been treated with leniency and ignorance by decision makers in exchange for brides. The aim of this study was to understand impacts of illegal sand mining in Matangari and Tshiombo villages and identify gaps in addressing these impacts. Specific objectives were: i) To assess the environmental impacts of illegal sand mining; ii) To evaluate the social impacts of illegal sand mining; iii) To investigate the challenges faced by local authorities in addressing environmental and social impacts; and iv) To determine the efforts deployed by local authorities to address these impacts and inherent changes. The study has revealed that the two villages were affected environmentally and socially by illegal sand mining and that there were loopholes and bottlenecks in addressing the environmental and social impacts of illegal sand mining. The effects caused by the illegal sand mining environmentally and socially were not only of negative consequences but also of positive consequences. However, the illegal sand mining caused far more negative environmental and social impacts than positive impacts. Loopholes in form of inadequate efforts to address the social and environmental impacts of the illegal sand mining were discovered. There were no by-laws, awareness campaigns and partnerships with organisations that could assist in curbing illegal sand mining. Also, bottlenecks in form of corruption, community views and opinions, insufficient knowledge, insufficient funds and unemployment were revealed and identified as hindrance to addressing the environmental and social impacts of illegal sand mining and to enforcing the rule of law in these villages. Based on these findings, more needs to be done by the local authorities to address the impacts of illegal sand mining in Matangari and Tshiombo villages.