KIBAHA, Oct. 17 -- KIBAHA Municipal Council has banned sand mining in the Mpiji River valley at Vikawe Bondeni Street, Pangani Ward, to curb environmental degradation and protect the area from further damage. The Municipal Mayor, Dr Mawazo Nicas announced the decision this week after the council established that no permit had been issued to authorise sand extraction at the site.

The river separates Ubungo Municipality in Dar es Salaam from Kibaha Municipality in Coast Region. Ubungo Municipality had earlier banned sand mining and deployed guards to enforce the restriction, prompting miners to move to the Kibaha side of the river.

During a visit to the site, Dr Nicas found mining activities continuing despite the absence of authorisation...