Dispute over mining licences

Namibia’s Environment Ministry has rejected claims by the Uukwambi Traditional Authority that it is responsible for unco-ordinated sand mining activities at the Iiheke ya Nakale and Onanime villages. This after chief Herman Iipumbu said he was not to blame for the illegal mining at the two villages which fall under his jurisdiction. The Namibian reports that he blamed the Ministry for issuing a clearance certificate for the two sites. However, Environment Minister Pohamba Shifeta suspended the certificates in March pending consultations on the matter. ‘We urge all interested parties to resolve the misunderstandings amicably without passing the blame onto the Ministry,’ he said.