Illegal mining persist in Salima

Illegal sand mining persists at Senga Bay

By Kondwani Nyondo 

Illegal sand mining continues to ravage Senga Bay, threatening the once-pristine golden beaches of Lake Malawi that the country proudly markets to international tourists.

Despite being designated a protected zone under Malawi’s land laws, sand extraction continues openly, degrading the shoreline and undermining livelihoods that depend on the lake.

According to the National Land Policy, any land within 50 metres of the lake is classified as public land and a protected zone. The Mines and Minerals Act further stipulates that all minerals  including sand are vested in the President on behalf of the people of Malawi.

Similarly, Section 47 (1) of the Environment Management Act (2017) mandates authorities to safeguard river and lake basins from harmful human activities.

Interviews with community members and local authorities suggest that much of the sand mining is allegedly sanctioned by traditional leaders.

However, Senior Chief Maganga denied knowledge of the illegal activity when contacted for comment.

“I am not aware of any sand mining taking place in my area,” he said.

When pressed that lodge owners and the district environmental office had previously engaged him on the issue, the chief conceded that he was collaborating with the district commissioner to address the problem.

“I, too, am concerned that the practice may compromise the lake, which is a vital source of income for many,” he added.

Tourism ndustry in jeopardy

Several lodge owners along the Senga Bay shoreline said they have repeatedly appealed to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture to intervene.

“The ministry advertises Lake Malawi as having golden beaches. But at Senga Bay, the sand is vanishing fast. It’s becoming deceptive advertising,” said one lodge owner.

Director of Tourism Alice Magombo confirmed awareness of the problem, saying her ministry had received multiple complaints from tourism operators and residents.

“Given the nature of the issue, we have engaged other ministries such as Lands and Environmental Affairs to find sustainable solutions,” Magombo said in a written response.

She added that the Salima District Council is developing by-laws to minimise environmental degradation and strengthen land management.

Environmental Affairs Departmen pollution officer Patrick Nyirenda described the situation as alarming, warning that the illegal mining could harm both tourism and the lake’s biodiversity.

“Our findings show the beach is degrading rapidly, and the number of people extracting sand keeps rising. Most of the trucks buy sand directly from local communities,” he said.

Nyirenda alleged that some local chiefs are complicit, facilitating the trade in exchange for money. The department has since collaborated with police to arrest offenders and fine companies involved in dredging.

However, he admitted such measures have not been enough to curb the vice.

“We have instructed the district commissioner to take disciplinary action against concerned chiefs, but they have been elusive and difficult to summon,” he said.

He further alleged that the Malawi Defence Force College in Salima was among those implicated in the practice, warning that if found culpable, the institution would be treated like any other offender.

Environmentalist Samantha Luckid said she has been raising concerns about the illegal sand mining at Senga Bay since 2020, but authorities have failed to act.

“I reported the issue to the Salima District Council and even wrote to the Ministry of Natural Resources, but nothing was done,” she said.

Luckid alleged that senior government officials are part of a well-connected cartel behind the illegal mining, using the sand for the construction of private houses and lodges.

“This is no longer a simple community issue,” she said. “Politicians and senior government officials are benefitting, while the environment pays the price.”

According to her, the mining is destabilising the lake’s ecosystem by destroying fish breeding grounds and accelerating water depletion.

“The mining is robbing the lake of its natural environment for fish to breed. If this continues, some species could face extinction,” she warned.

A letter  we have  seen, written by a former Minister of Natural Resources, shows that the ministry was initially alarmed by the revelations and promised swift action.

“We met the minister at the time, who was visibly horrified by the situation. A taskforce was formed to address it,” Luckid recalled. “But when the minister was moved to another portfolio, the taskforce fell silent — and the mining resumed.”

Miners interviewed at the site claimed they were authorised by traditional leaders and pay a commission of K2 000 per tonne, while the sand sells at K15 000.

Lodge owners also accused some chiefs of corruption, saying they benefit financially from the illegal trade.

One lodge owner has reportedly compiled a 10-year report documenting the illicit operations. The draft report, seen by The Nation, includes photographs, vehicle registration numbers, and estimated volumes of sand collected.

As authorities continue to deliberate on by-laws and sanctions, the golden sands of Senga Bay continue to disappear  grain by grain.