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Kabarole, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Residents of Harugongo sub county in Kabarole district have raised concern about the destruction of the environment caused by Pozzolana mining companies.
Mining is common in the sub-counties of Harugongo and Kichwamba where mining companies have set up shop. The companies that are mining Pozzolana, which is a key ingredient in the manufacture of cement include; Abasi Balinda Company, Gems International limited, and Royal transit company limited among others.
Gems International was contracted by Hima Cement Factory to supply Pozzolana to the cement factory located in Kasese.
Residents say that mining activities have put their lives at a risk due to dust, vibration from machines and flying rocks from sites that have destroyed their houses.
Christopher Mwesige a resident of Harugongo says that they have petitioned several offices including the ministry of energy and mineral development to halt the activities in the sub-county in vain.
Lawrence Tumwesige, the head of advocacy at the Rwenzori Anti-Corruption Coalition says that they have written to the Chief Administrative Officer over concerns of the residents, but nothing has been done.
Eunice Kanyiginya, the Kabarole District Environment Officer said she had written to Abasi Balinda to halt the degradation of the environment two years ago, but he has failed to comply.
Richard Rwabuhinga ,the LCV chairperson for Kabarole says that they have started investigating the claims by the residents.
“I have held meetings with some of the affected residents but some of the allegations are not true. Many people are earning money from the Pozzolana mining,” Rwabuhinga said.
He accused a section of some residents of trying to block the mining of Pozzolana stones. He asked the worrying parties to dialogue, and resolve the conflict.
“As district leaders, we are trying to bring all the two sides together so that they can resolve the conflict. We don’t need the mining activities to be stopped because many of our people depend on the mines for their daily incomes,” Rwabuhinga said.
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