EFFECT OF SAND MINING ON THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF IBESHE COMMUNITY, IKORODU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Sand are the materials which the buildings, roads and infrastructures in all cities are based on. This study focused on, effect of sand mining on the physical environment of ibeshe community, ikorodu local government area, lagos, Nigeria, In order to assess the effect of sand mining on the physical environment of Ibeshe community with a view to recommending the need for controlled sand exploitation in the study area. Survey research design method was employed to obtain data from the residents, and the sand mining companies in study area. Data for study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The effect of sand mining on the socioeconomic life of the people was identified. Landuse/ landcover analysis were carried out to determine the extent of change that had taken place on the physical environment of the study area. Combinations of sampling techniques were used to administer 382 questionnaires to the respondents. Findings revealed that 41.6% of the respondents earn between 10,000 and 20,000 naira, 25.1% earn between 20,000 and 50,000 naira while only 33.2% of them earn above 50,000 naira, meaning that majority of the respondents were low income earners. Landuse / landcover analysis revealed area occupied by sand mining sites increased from 0.1km² in the year 2002 to 0.17km² in the year 2013 and a further increase to 0.32km² in 2019. Built up areas covered a land area of 39km² in 2002 then increased to 4.76km² in 2013 and then increased further to 5.62km² in 2019. Vegetation covered a land area of 3.54km² in year 2002 but decreased to 2.74km² in 2013 and finally to 1.92km² in year 2019. Loss of vast vegetative cover was the major problem caused by sand mining, excessive mining of lagoon sand is another, the quantum of sand mined is not regulated, this is a dangerous situation because if the level of sand mined should exceed the level of replenishment it will pose more serious problem that the ones already existing. Other problems include emission of dangerous gases as a result of heavy duty vehicles and equipments, destruction of access roads by the movement of heavy duty vehicles and trucks. . In conclusion, regulation of quantum of sand mined, stoppage of issuance of cadastral (license) to intending mining companies, alternatives to coastal sand such as breaking of rocks into coarse particles and recycling of old buildings as done in Seychelles and Switzerland respectively, addressing issues of sand mining in Urban and Regional Planning laws were recommendations made.