Staff Reporter
The Karibib Town Council has denied claims of asbestos contamination in the marble sand distributed by the Council, following allegations made by an independent researcher from the United States.
The allegations claim that marble dust and by-products in and around Karibib contain asbestos fibres, including in the material distributed by the Council.
“These claims have understandably raised concern among residents, Karibib Town Council wishes to clarify that independent laboratory testing was undertaken in June 2025 on marble dust and related by-products (referred to in the article as marble waste). The testing was carried out by National Environmental Health Consultants CC, a recognised and reputable Namibian institution specialising in asbestos inspection, testing, and monitoring,” the Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tangeni Enkono, said.
He revealed that the test results from samples obtained from UWM Mineral Processing and Best Cheer Stone Group confirmed that no asbestos fibres were detected in any of the analysed materials.
“These results directly contradict claims that asbestos fibres were present in the tested materials associated with the locations referenced in the article. Accordingly, the Council wishes to assure the public that, based on credible scientific evidence currently available, there is no confirmation of asbestos contamination in the marble sand distributed by the Council. On the basis of these verified laboratory findings, Karibib Town Council can confidently state that the marble dust/sand/waste made available to residents as an affordable building and landscaping material does not contain asbestos, which contradicts the statement in the media of the independent researcher from the US,” Enkono said.
He added that the Karibib Town Council confirms that it has not authorised, nor knowingly facilitated, the distribution of hazardous materials to residents.
“The Council remains fully committed to compliance with all applicable environmental management and public health legislation and treats any allegation of potential health risk with the utmost seriousness,” Enkono added.
Photo: Karibib Town Council
