The prices of sand in Gasabo district have shot up following suspension of excavation in the area. A mini survey carried out by The New Times shows that the price of big crystal sand has increased  as a result–from Rwf50,000 to Rwf75,000 per truckload, while that of small crystal sand has risen to Rwf55,000 from Rwf45,000.Local authorities suspended mining of sand in the district recently a realisation that miners were illegally performing the activities calling upon all practitioners to first seek clearance. All the mining activities are shelved until an environment impact assessment has been carried out.According to the local government regulations, sand excavation must not be carried out in a wetland.Gasabo District environment officer, Peter Barigye, explained that the proprietors of sand mines had failed to meet the minimum requirements set in 2008."We suspended mining activities in the whole district till we have verified claims and addressed all concerns. They are not stopped completely but suspended,” Barigye said.He, however, revealed that the district authorities would this week convene a meeting that will bring together all to try and resolve the issue.Sand mining is prevalent across the district especially in Rusine, Bumbogo, Jabana areas among others.And this is the district where most construction activities are taking place, as it hosts some of the biggest projects like the Special Economic Zone, which among others, is expected to host the industrial park.The director in charge of pollution at the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Remy Duhuze said the environment impact assessment is now carried out by the Rwanda Development Board but added that small scale mining can be handled at the district level.A truck driver at Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District, associates the price increase to the rising transport costs as the sand is now ferried from Bugesera District.  The Executive Secretary of Nduba Sector in Gasabo District, Godfrey Karamuzi, confirmed that the suspension of mining activities in the area were shelved pending findings from an agricultural and environmental technical assessment following claims from rice farmers that sand deposits washed by rains lay beneath cultivable soils.The suspension of the mining activities followed Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi’s visit in the district a week ago when he questioned the compliance and suitability of the activities.