Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga [email protected]
THE Government has expressed concern over an increase in silicosis cases and fatalities in Midlands Province, particularly in mining hotspots such as Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Shurugwi and Mberengwa, amid calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has said the Government would intensify measures to protect workers and communities from silica dust exposure, which causes silicosis, an incurable occupational lung disease. He was speaking on Friday at the inaugural Kwekwe City Silicosis Awareness Conference held at Kwekwe Polytechnic.
The conference, held under the theme “Dust-free lungs – healthier lives: Stop silica dust before it stops you!”, brought together stakeholders to discuss awareness, medical outreach and interventions to reduce occupational exposure to silica dust.
“It is with a profound sense of urgency and immense responsibility that I address you as guest of honour on this inaugural Kwekwe City Silicosis Awareness Conference following alarming spikes in reported cases and fatalities, particularly in the hotspots of Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Shurugwi and Mberengwa Districts,” said Minister Ncube.
He said silicosis was affecting artisanal and small-scale mining communities and workers in industries including glass manufacturing, iron and steel, metal grinding, sandblasting, construction, pottery and ceramics.
Minister Ncube said the Government had adopted a multi-sectoral approach to combating the disease through legislative and regulatory frameworks, including the Mining (Management and Safety) Regulations, Mining (Health and Sanitation) Regulations and the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy, which is enforced by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
He said enforcement would be strengthened through the mandatory use of dust-control technologies and nationwide mining safety blitzes conducted by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, National Social Security Authority (NSSA), the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and other regulatory authorities.
Minister Ncube also revealed that a 140 KVA solar-powered diagnostic service had been rolled out at Kwekwe General Hospital through collaboration between the Government, the Global Fund, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners.
He said the initiative was part of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, the social development, gender and social protection pillar of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the National Health Strategy.
“This is demonstrated by the modernisation of health infrastructure through the construction of state-of-the-art mini-hospitals, including Mataga mini-hospital in Mberengwa, Zvishavane and Shurugwi Private Wards, provision of state-of-the-art medical equipment, expansion of the fleet of emergency ambulances, health service vehicles, mobile clinics and nurse training institutions, as well as prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases,” said Minister Ncube.
He stressed that workers’ access to clean water, decent ablution facilities and health education was essential and should not be compromised.
“It is unacceptable for workers to stay under deplorable conditions that include overcrowding, limited access to decent housing, ablution and medical facilities. Workers have their rights at work which should be respected,” said Minister Ncube.
He urged authorities responsible for enforcing the President’s call for responsible mining to intensify monitoring and ensure that mining operations comply with health and safety requirements.
“I urge all authorities mandated to enforce His Excellency the President’s call for responsible mining to be on the ground and ensure that all miners are compliant. The district development coordinators should strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure operations of mining entities are mutually beneficial to our investors, workers and communities,” said Minister Ncube.
