Mat North Correspondent
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Residents of Hwange have taken a stand against pollution from coal mining companies by petitioning Parliament through the Greater Whange Residents Trust (GWRT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The petition, addressed to Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda and other Members of Parliament, highlights the environmental and health impacts of coal mining on the local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fidelis Chima, the GWRT coordinator, expressed the urgency of the situation, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHwange is home to more than 50,000 residents, many of whom are not employed in the mining sector. The coal mining industry significantly affects both our health and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The petition emphasizes that while coal mining is a vital industry in Hwange, it poses serious risks to the surrounding communities and the nearby National Parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMining operations, both open cast and underground, create dust and hazardous conditions that impact not just miners but also the residents living nearby,\u201d the petition reads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GWRT pointed out the limitations of the Pneumoconiosis Act of 1971, which was designed to protect workers in dusty occupations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis legislation fails to address the health issues faced by ordinary residents who are not employed in the mines,\u201d Chima noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose working in the mines receive regular medical checks, while local residents are left unprotected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The petition calls for a review of the Act to extend protections to all individuals living in areas affected by coal mining dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith the increase in mining activities, more residents are exposed to health risks without any legal safeguards,\u201d the petition states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The residents also urged Parliament to consider measures that would require coal mining companies to contribute to reducing coal dust and improving the health of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe believe it is essential for the State to ensure the progressive realization of our rights as residents,\u201d Chima added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a related concern, residents from Ingagula have expressed their distress over deteriorating living conditions due to pollution from the Hwange Thermal Power Station and the Deka Pipeline Upgrade project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe feel like we are living in a death trap,\u201d one resident lamented, referring to the indefinite postponement of their relocation from the coal mining zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Zimbabwe Power Company previously indicated that approximately US$60 million would be needed to relocate over 400 families affected by the expansion of the power station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the petition awaits deliberation in Parliament, the residents remain hopeful for a response that addresses their pressing concerns about pollution and health risks in Hwange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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