BRICK moulding requires a licence in terms of the Environmental Management Act Cap
20:27 as read with Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 (Environmental Impact Assessment and
Ecosystems Protection Regulations).
Illegal brick moulding is a common challenge in most peri-urban farms across the
Mashonaland West Province. Although it has become an alternative source of livelihood to
most youths, the activity has caused enormous land degradation.
Causes of brick moulding
The causes of illegal brick moulding are many and varied. The major ones are as follows:
 The failure by planning authorities to designate and register brick moulding sites
 Rapid urbanisation which has increased the demand for farm bricks
 The failure by planning authorities to regulate brick moulding activities taking place
within their areas of jurisdiction.
 Low market priced bricks being charged by illegal brick moulders which has created a
demand for the farm bricks
 Arrogance by the individuals despite efforts to engage the groups on the legislative
requirements.
 Limited livelihood options for the community

Effects/ Impacts of brick moulding

The illegal brick moulding activities have left behind a trail of open pits which provide
conducive breeding areas for vermin which can even lead to the spread of diseases like
malaria, cholera and typhoid among others.
Deaths have been recorded in some of these areas as people, especially young children, fall or
drown in the pits left uncovered.
Ugly patches of abandoned and unattended pieces of productive land and exposure of soil to
erosional forces emanating from the continuous scalping off the grass and scooping away of
tonnes of soil.
Procedure for licence application
 The individual or company must identify the areas of operation
 Engage the responsible authority for approval of the site/area
 Submit completed EMA “A” application forms to the Agency accompanied by proof
of payment of the appropriate fees
 Please note, work on the project is supposed to start after a licence has been granted
by the Agency
What the law says?
According to Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 as read with Statutory Instrument 3 of 2011 “No
person shall excavate, remove, possess or license the removal of clay or sand deposits in
excess of a tonne without a licence issued by the Agency.”
Any person, who contravenes these provisions shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a
fine not exceeding level fourteen or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or
to both such fine and imprisonment
These environmental facts and tips are brought to you by the Environmental Management
Agency, Mashonaland West Province. Like us on Facebook Environmental Management
Agency or visit our website www.ema.co.zw. Alternatively call us on: 08677006244 or use
our WhatsApp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.