Illegal gold mining operations along the Likangala River in Malawi are raising environmental and health concerns among local residents, who report increased water pollution and ecosystem damage in Zomba District
Thokoza Chipande of Namalaka village says miners have created dam-like structures that cause water stagnation, potentially increasing mosquito breeding grounds and malaria risks.
The activity has also led to deforestation along the riverbank.
“We saw people collecting equipment from the miners saying they had banned the mining, but a few days later the miners started again digging the river,” Chipande said, referring to a failed enforcement attempt by alleged city officials last year.
Zomba City Council spokesman, Aubrey Mthyola Moses, confirmed the council hadn’t issued any mining licenses, noting such authority rests with the Ministry of Mining.
“We are engaging them through community development structures,” Moses said.
“This poses a threat to the environment.”
Despite environmental concerns, some miners defend their activities.
“I am just doing what is right for my family and me even though we are damaging the environment,” said Chrispin Chipengule, who earns K5,000 daily from mining.
“We receive payment whether we find gold or not.”
The situation is particularly concerning as the Likangala River is known for severe flooding during rainy seasons, and environmental degradation could worsen these risks.
By Peter Davieson, AfricaBrief
