Africa-Press – Mozambique. Authorities in Manica province, central Mozambique, today admitted they were unable to lessen river pollution caused by mining, both artisanal and industrial, in the region, calling for “structural measures” from the central government.
“There are aspects that are beyond our control. They go beyond the province, beyond the district,” said Lourenço Lindonde, Secretary of State for Manica province, during a provincial parliamentary meeting.
According to the official, solving river pollution in the province requires “great care”.
“These days, the use of force is expensive; the population reacts very badly when force is used,” Lindonde explained, highlighting the need for “structural measures” to stem the pollution.
Lourenço Lindonde also argued that measures to solve the problem should come from the central government of Mozambique.
On August 19, Lusa reported that Mozambican authorities fined six more mining companies for pollution, bringing the total number of companies penalized for environmental crimes in Manica province, central Mozambique, to 11.
“Last week, while we were holding the national meeting to improve the strategy for mitigating environmental problems, which took place here in Manica province, we conducted field visits, where we found that there are still companies violating the law,” said Grácio Cune, national mine inspector, at the time.
According to the representative, each mining company was penalized according to the type of infraction committed: “That’s what we did, as the law requires.”
President Daniel Chapo had in May already announced the suspension of the activities of five mining companies in Manica province for environmental crimes and pollution. He warned at the time that river pollution hinders agricultural activity and even leads to the deaths of animals and people in that province.
“Because of mining, all the rivers are polluted. […] We are currently suspending five companies that are committing this environmental crime, because their activities are damaging the environment,” the Head of State said at the time.
The president said that, in addition to suspending their activities, the mining companies will be forced to pay fines.
“If they continue to pollute the environment, we will even collect the machinery that is there and even sell it at public auction,” the president declared.
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