A joint operation to implement recent resolutions to protect and turn clean up River Nyabarongo as well as other critical water bodies, has come into force with officials from Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) combing the districts of Ngororero and Rutsiro to crackdown on illegal and substandard mining activities, which have been blamed for the current state of the river.  

During a December 23 consultative meeting, it was resolved that stringent measures be taken against illegal and substandard mining, which was observed to be the major polluter of Nyabarongo.

The four-day operation in the two districts which ended on December 31 led to the arrest of 33 people who were either found mining without permits or disregarding mining standards and techniques, and 25 mining sites were closed temporarily.

The operation was conducted in the sectors of Gihango, Ruhango, Rusebeya, Musasa, Mukura and Murunda in Rutsiro while in Ngororero, it was conducted in Ndaro, Gatumba, Bwira, Nyange and Muhororo sectors.

"Thirteen people were arrested in Rutsiro and twenty in Ngororero, and all of them were caught red-handed," said Supt. Corneille Muligo, the Director of the RNP Environmental Protection Unit (EPU), which is spearheading the programme to conserve River Nyabarongo.

"We also confiscated 79 kilogrammes of Cassiterite, 3kg of coltan and about 5o tools which they were using in this illegal mining," he added.

Supt. Muligo explained that the suspects' actions were against articles 388, 438 and 439 of the penal code which are related to pollution of water bodies and disrespect of mining techniques.

Article 388 states that "any person who pollutes inland waters by dumping, spilling or depositing chemicals of any nature into waters, that may cause or increase water pollution, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of Rwf2 million to Rwf5 million or one of these penalties."

Undertaking illegal research or commercial activities in valuable minerals under article 438 carries a prison sentence  of six months to one year and a fine of Rwf3 million to Rwf10 million, while employing inappropriate techniques in mineral exploration and mining attracts a fine of between Rwf300,000 to Rwf1 million.

"Rutsiro and Ngororero were just starting points but the operation will continue to other parts of the country, especially in those districts that have access to Nyabarongo and its tributaries," said Muligo.

Districts that have access to River Nyabarongo are Nyarugenge, Kamonyi, Gakenke, Muhanga, Ruhango, Karongi, Nyamagabe, Nyanza and Nyaruguru, the main source.

Meanwhile, a subsequent meeting in Ngororero between RNP, REMA, local leaders and mining companies in the district resolved that only suspended companies that will take appropriate environmental measures to protect the waters, will be allowed to resume the exploration after inspection.

Out of 27 mining companies in Ngororero, only seven have all the required documents, but they were also found to be violating the standard mining procedures, thus also contributing to the threat against the ecosystem and Nyabarongo in particular.

Remy Norbert Duhuze, the Director of Environmental Regulation and Pollution Control in REMA said: "Almost all these activities leave big open mining pits and you find there are no measures and plans to rehabilitate them.

Most of these companies wash their minerals in rivers, and even those who don't wash their minerals in rivers, release muddy water into rivers instead of cleaning it before it is released or reused as the best option".

"Most of rivers and streams are clean before reaching mining sites, but become muddy when they reach these sites. Most of these illegal activities also affect neighbouring communities causing conflicts since the affected people are not compensated for the damages caused," Duhuze added. 

editorial@newtimes.co.rw