Abstract:
Proper infrastructure is a crucial factor for the s
ocio-economic development of a country. Suburbs of
Agouényivé, Adidogomé, and Banguida in Lome once sp
arsely populated, are now experiencing large
influx of people causing environmental problems. Th
roughout Togo, sand and gravel is widely exploited
as aggregate for construction. If river mining of s
and is not carefully controlled it can cause signif
icant
damage to the ecosystem and the environment as a wh
ole. The socio-economic and environmental
impact of sand and gravel mining in Togo is not wel
l known and there is little research work on select
ed
river systems. Here a method is proposed for an eff
ective regulation of in stream sand and gravel
mining operations so as to balance and reduce the c
onflict between the gains of sand and gravel
extraction and the environmental management. The ac
tivities of miners, transporters, and laborers who
are involved in quarrying of sand and gravel in the
cantons of Adétikopé, Mission Tové of Zanguéra and
Kégué that supply sand and gravel to Lome and its s
urroundings are critical evaluated. However, this
research reveals the vast inequalities and social i
njustices that lie behind this lucrative activity o
f sand
gravel quarrying.
