The President of the Republic (PR), Daniel Chapo, stated on Wednesday (17) that mining is causing an “environmental disaster” in the central province of Manica and admitted the possibility of completely suspending the activity.
“What is happening in Manica is practically an environmental disaster, and we cannot allow this to continue, because it endangers not only wildlife but also vegetation, domestic animals such as cattle and goats, and even human beings,” Chapo declared.
The President was speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony awarding an Honorary Doctorate to Marina Pachinuapa, a former fighter of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), by Púnguè University in Manica. On the occasion, he assured that the Government will intensify efforts to curb pollution, especially in rivers affected by mining.
“We will take tough measures. Even if it means suspending activities, we will have to do so. We have already discussed this, and we must restore the environment,” Daniel Chapo said, stressing that the priority is to protect lives and the ecosystem.
The provincial governor, Francisca Tomás, had already announced on September 10 the indefinite suspension of all mining activities in Manica. The decision, she explained, is intended to protect public health and allow the reorganization of riverbeds. “Above all, human life comes first. Public health is at stake, which is why we must temporarily suspend activities in the mines,” Tomás declared, adding that the measure will enable the recovery of waterways severely polluted by mining operations.
On August 19, Lusa reported that six more mining companies had been fined for pollution in Manica, bringing to 11 the total number of companies penalized for environmental crimes. The sanctions resulted from inspections carried out during a national meeting on environmental mitigation measures.
“Last week, during the national meeting to enhance the strategy for mitigating environmental problems, which took place here in Manica, we conducted field visits and found that there are still companies violating the law,” explained the national mining inspector, Grácio Cune.
In May, Daniel Chapo had already announced the suspension of five mining companies in Manica for environmental crimes and pollution. At that time, he warned that river contamination was harming agriculture and causing the death of animals and people, further ensuring that companies would be fined and could lose equipment.
“Because of artisanal mining, all rivers are polluted. We suspended five companies committing this environmental crime because their activities are destroying the environment,” Chapo said, warning that if pollution continues, even machinery may be seized and auctioned.
Source: Diário Económico
