Govt backs switch to manufactured sand in construction

Illegal sand mining has dire environmental consequences
Illegal sand mining has dire environmental consequences

As the natural river sand has reached depletion state, government has begun to promote the use of manufactured sand saying it is cost effective and stronger than natural sand.

A workshop held by the Department of Mines in collaboration with Botswana Geoscience in Gaborone this week revealed that the characteristics of mortars and concrete using manufactured sand as fine aggregate are superior when compared to the natural sand as fine aggregate.

According to a principal economic geologist for Botswana Geoscience, Nggie Wantlo compared to the natural sand, manufactured sand is cheaper and stronger.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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