Around 500 fishermen have abandoned fishing activities due to the pollution of the Revue and Chicamba rivers in Manica Province, central Mozambique.
The pollution is caused by artisanal and industrial gold mining activities carried out by both Mozambican and foreign nationals in areas upstream of the rivers.
In recent days, water pollution levels in these rivers have increased significantly, leading to a decline in fish production, especially tilapia and other aquatic species, as well as agricultural losses along the riverbanks.
According to Sibião Kunai, President of the Community Fisheries Council in the Chicamba Dam, the situation is deeply worrying for local riverine communities due to mercury contamination in fish.
“Contamination poses a threat to communities, including fish consumers. We urgently need a solution, or we risk wiping out the existing fish species in the Revue and Chicamba rivers. On top of that, we’re destroying crops along their banks,” said Kunai recently.
He explained that artisanal miners and others are using mercury and harmful chemicals, which are dangerous not only to fish but also to humans.
“As a result, many people have already stopped fishing in these rivers,” he stated.
Kunai noted that fish from these rivers are now of low quality due to water contamination, exposure to toxic substances, and the presence of unusual odors and colors, making them unsafe for human consumption.
“Even the water is no longer suitable for irrigation or daily use by local communities. As a result, hundreds of families have lost their crops,” he added.
According to Kunai, most of the miners are foreigners.
“This mining isn’t new, but the rivers have never been as polluted as they are now. That tells us we’re not just dealing with small-scale gold panners — these are likely industrial-scale operations.”
He called for mining to be carried out in accordance with environmental regulations to prevent further water pollution.
Kunai stated that while the government has taken action against some companies, the issue remains unresolved.
“What’s happening is that some companies simply move operations to other areas, continuing their activities irresponsibly. These miners must understand that many people rely on fishing and farming to survive, and that clean water is essential for agriculture,” he emphasized.
Recently, Daniel Bango, maritime administrator for the central provinces of Sofala and Manica, acknowledged that the water in the Revue and Chicamba rivers is increasingly murky and of poor quality.
“If this continues, fishermen will have no more fish. We’ll also face increased crocodile activity along the riverbanks and the dam. The water is so polluted that fish can no longer survive, and this could endanger the local population,” Bango warned, calling for joint efforts to tackle the problem.
Moreover, in addition to Revue and Chicamba, the Púnguè River in Vanduzi District — one of Manica’s main waterways — is also highly polluted due to illegal gold mining upstream.
In recent years, there’s been a surge in gold mining by both local and foreign individuals, with an estimated 10,000 people involved, some organized in associations, others working independently. This activity is one of the main sources of income for residents of Manica’s districts.
The most mineral-rich districts in Manica Province, particularly for gold, include Manica, Sussundenga, Báruè, Macossa, Tambara, and Gondola.
Source: AIM (Agência de Informação de Moçambique)
