Abstract

Proper infrastructure is a crucial factor for the socio-economic development of a country. Suburbs of Agouényivé, Adidogomé, and Banguida in Lome once sparsely populated, are now experiencing large influx of people causing environmental problems. Throughout Togo, sand and gravel is widely exploited as aggregate for construction. If river mining of sand is not carefully controlled it can cause significant damage to the ecosystem and the environment as a whole. The socio-economic and environmental impact of sand and gravel mining in Togo is not well known and there is little research work on selected river systems. Here a method is proposed for an effective regulation of in stream sand and gravel mining operations so as to balance and reduce the conflict between the gains of sand and gravel extraction and the environmental management. The activities 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 surroundings are critical evaluated. However, this research reveals the vast inequalities and social injustices that lie behind this lucrative activity of sand gravel quarrying.

Key words: Sand and gravel, transporters, miners, environment, socio-economics.