By NATION REPORTER
GOVERNMENT has called for responsible mining in manganese mineral-rich Serenje to safeguard the environment.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”4,5,6″ ihc_mb_template=”2″ ]
Serenje Council Secretary, Stan Mwanakayaya, says Government is embracing the benefits of mining, but that stakeholders must also focus on sustainable development that ensures the well-being of citizens and preservation of the cultural heritage.
Mr. Mwanakayaya said the council was committed to work with organisations such as Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), government officials and industry representatives to strike a balance that promoted economic growth while safeguarding the environment and the rights of people in mining communities.
He said this in a speech read by District Planning Officer, Mwamba Mukupa, at a Community Symposium organised by the CEJ through the Resilient Initiatives for Sustainable Environment (RISE) Project Supported by Bread for the World (BFTW) of Germany.
“As we engage in the discussions today, let us keep in mind the delicate balance we must strike. I extend my gratitude to CEJ for organising this community symposium, a platform bringing together key stakeholders to address environmental challenges posed by mining in the region,” Mr Mwanakayaya said.
He said mining plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the district as it brings forth opportunities for development and growth, through providing jobs and contributing significantly to the global economy.
“However, with mining benefits comes responsibilities to ensure sustainable balanced future for communities. Let us first acknowledge the undeniable impacts that mining has on the environment,” he said.
Mr. Mwanakayaya said it is imperative to address the ecological disruption, water pollution and habitat degredation.
“As a community, we must work with the mining industry to implement stringent environmental practices to mitigate negative impacts of mining to preserve the beauty of Serenje for generations to come.”
“Equally important is recognising the social impact that mining has on the vulnerable groups in communities. The vulnerable groups struggle with disruption of their daily lives, health implications, or challenges in accessing education.
As we discuss the benefits of mining, we must also address challenges to find ways to inclusively distribute the benefits among all members of society,” he said.
CEJ Board Member Emmanuel Mutamba paid tribute to Bread for the World of Germany for providing resources towards the RISE Project being implemented by CEJ in Serenje and Sinazongwe..
Mr. Mutamba said mining can be beneficial if all systems were followed.
He said the community symposium was necessary to understand challenges mining poses to water bodies in Serenje.
“We must introspect how agriculture will be affected if mining regulations are ignored. We need to know if mining will improve roads or worsen the situation.
How will mining improve the welfare of pupils in schools? Whatever we will discuss here will be taken as important recommendations,” Mr. Mutamba said.
[/ihc-hide-content]
