Governor of Manica Advocates for Minimized Mining Impact and Enhanced Healthcare
Gold mining in Mozambique’s Manica district is causing environmental harm, risking public health, agriculture, and education. Governor Francisca Tomás urges coordinated efforts to reduce mining-related damage, while also emphasizing plans to enhance healthcare access by building more health centers and improving healthcare professional ratios.
The unchecked gold mining activities in Manica district, Mozambique, are leading to significant environmental degradation, while posing risks to public health, agriculture, and education. These developments arise from the dire need for resources to support local livelihoods, compounded by the use of inadequate extraction methods that have raised concerns for provincial authorities.
Governor Francisca Tomás has expressed serious apprehension regarding the frequent violations of environmental regulations by mining companies, which alter river courses and deteriorate water quality. She advocates for collaborative efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of mining operations specifically in the Manica district to safeguard community welfare.
The problematic practice of ore washing with mercury and the consequent pollution of soil and waterways jeopardizes the health of citizens, livestock, and the surrounding ecosystems. In a recent interview, Governor Tomás highlighted the necessity for improvements in healthcare access, aiming to achieve a ratio of one doctor for every 8,220 individuals. Plans include establishing more health centres to shorten travel distances for the community while enhancing healthcare availability.
Additionally, the governor emphasized the goal of situating healthcare professionals in every administrative post, thereby addressing the doctor-to-inhabitant ratio further. This initiative aims at reducing the hardships faced by the population in accessing essential health services more readily and efficiently.
In conclusion, the rampant mining in Manica district presents severe environmental and health challenges. Governor Francisca Tomás underscores the need for adherence to environmental standards and coordinated efforts to alleviate these issues. Concurrently, her focus on enhancing healthcare infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of local inhabitants by increasing access to medical services.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
