Unrehabilitated sand mining pits continue to pose a threat to both human lives and those of their livestock in many areas in north-central Namibia.

While the sand mining business has proven to be a lucrative undertaking for those at its forefront, it comes with damning environmental challenges and a threat to human lives.

In a space of three days in the Ohangwena Region, three people died at Onangubu and Omwaalu villages, a stone’s throw from each other.

Ottilie Shafokutya, 31, and her 13-year-old daughter, Justina Robert, drowned in a sand pit while doing laundry.

Mother and grandmother of the two drowning victims, Lavinia Haihambo, said that it is about time the government imposed deterring fines on those who make a killing at the expense of the community.

“That pit where my children died and many others must be filled up with sand so that it can be a bit safer and easier for people to go in and out to save more lives. Those were my kids, and it’s really painful.” 

Ministry of Environment spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says, so far there are no provisions for compensating people who die in pits left open by sand miners.

A visit to Omhaadi village, where mother and daughter originated from, paints a sad picture: five days after their demise, no funeral arrangements have been made, such as vigil services.

In the Oshiwambo culture, during the mourning period, the mourners usually sit inside the house close to the room of the deceased. However, due to the unaffordability of tents, the family moved to the tree in their mahangu field for vigil services.

Haihambo told nbc News that they simply cannot afford the costs associated with burial ceremonies as her pension is all the income they have in the household. 

“I know I get an income, but so far there is little support from the family. We need two coffins and a small tent. I don’t care about slaughtering livestock as customary; all I need from my fellow countrymen is to assist with funeral-related costs so we can lay our loved ones to rest.”

Another drowning took place at Omwaalu village, which claimed the life of 30-year-old Martin Halweendo, who was swimming with friends in a sand pit filled with rainwater.