Blessing Nduku
Residents of Shurugwi has expressed concern over rampant illegal gold mining activities around the town’s residential areas which pose a serious safety threat to the community.
Shurugwi Residents and Rate Payers Association (SRRPA) executive member Mr Pardon Machocho said residents are living on edge as illegal mining activities creep closer to their doorsteps, threatening the very foundations of their homes and communities as well as jeopardizing their safety.
He told this reporter that urgent action is needed as the situation has reached a critical point and called on authorities to take immediate action to protect the residents.
“We have written a letter to the authorities and the government to intervene to address problems faced by this small mining town caused by illegal mining activities.”
“These challenges are worse especially in Sebanga plots at that mountain close to the Motel, blasting is happening every single day and it is becoming scary worse at this very same place where we have our boosters and tanks”, he said.
As the situation spirals out of control, Shurugwi residents await urgent intervention by several residents.
“We want our homes protected, we cannot live in fear anymore can you imagine three days ago we heard a blast around 1 am, it was very scary, it sounded like my house was going to crumble down hence we demand action from the Ministry of Mines as well as the Shurugwi council,” said Franado Muzimba.
He said the artisanal miners’ blasting activities were detrimental to the water and reticulation facilities and several properties near the area as most of them are said to be using explosives.
However, Machocho went on to suggest that the residents, the Ministry of Mines as well as the council should sit down and plan their pegging well before issuing out licenses to miners.
One of the most hurting issue is that these miners provide letters and licenses from the Ministry of Mines though the place will be a residential area.
He added that the fate of Shurugwi’s residential areas is in danger as they are threatened by illegal mining activities.