Monday, 28th February 2005 (3289 views)

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism are to join forces with the police to crack down on illegal gold panning.

The problem has now become a key problem along the country's streams, valleys and rivers and it is too hard for the police to prevent it on their own.

It is hoped by using soldiers as well then the government's position would be strengthened and police would be better equipped to deal with more violent panners.

Ministry secretary, Ms Margaret Sangarwa, told the Herald: "In an effort to curb illegal gold panning in the country, the ministry has initiated joint operations with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) resulting in a thousand illegal gold panners being arrested."

A number of information campaigns have already been launched by the ministry but so far the results intended had not occurred.

"Despite environmental education campaigns, which my ministry has held throughout the country with the view to raise awareness on environment issues as well as engendering in people values, skills, attitudes and behaviour consistent with environmental management, illegal gold panning has continued unabated," she said.

 

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