Chief warns against illegal sand mining

Senior Chief Maganga of Salima District has warned his subjects against illegal sand mining along the shores of Lake Malawi.

He issued the warning on Tuesday during a sensitisation meeting with chiefs and village development committees at Senga Bay organised by Salima District Council.

Maganga said the malpractice is jeopardising tourism activities in the area.

“The lake is one of the sources of the country’s revenue. Therefore, people should stop illegal mining to ensure that the natural beach is not destroyed,” he said.

Maganga urged fellow traditional leaders to take action against illegal mining.

Salima District Council acting environmental officer Adam Jason said they have aligned activities to stop illegal mining along the lake.

“Salima is a tourism destination and we need to ensure that it is protected. We will work with traditional leaders to stop the malpractice. We will not allow illegal sand mining to destroy our beautiful beaches,” he said.

Jason said the lake should be left for tourism and fishing activities only.

Salima District Council tourism officer Wilfred Sagawa said it was sad that people have been destroying the beaches and other tourist attraction facilities.

“We will stop the malpractice to maintain the beauty of the lake to attract more tourists,” he said.