RC orders speedy identification of new quarry
DODOMA: GRAVEL miners in Zuzu Ward have appealed to the government to expedite their relocation to an alternative mining site after the closure of their long-standing quarry left many families without their primary source of income.
The miners said suspension of operations at the quarry had plunged many households into financial hardship, with elderly people and youth who depended on daily earnings struggling to meet basic needs.
The concerns were raised during a public meeting by Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule on Monday during her visit to Zuzu Ward to listen to citizens’ grievances where she was accompanied with technical experts from various government institutions.
Responding to the complaints, Ms Senyamule directed mining authorities to allow miners to remove gravel already extracted from the closed quarry before Thursday to avoid unnecessary losses and possible disputes. She also instructed the Mining Commission and other relevant authorities to expedite identification and allocation of an alternative mining site.
“The issue is not simply closing the quarry. These citizens depended on it for their livelihoods. We must move quickly to provide them with another area where they can continue working legally and safely,” she said.
National Environment Management Council (NEMC) Central Zone Manager, Mr Novatus Mushi said mining activities were suspended after authorities established that the site posed significant environmental and safety risks. He said uncontrolled excavation had caused severe land degradation and erosion, threatening nearby roads, infrastructure and public safety.
“Mining activities must be accompanied by environmental rehabilitation plans. The operators were instructed to submit and implement rehabilitation programmes but failed to comply with the conditions,” Mr Mushi said.
He added that the quarry also lacked the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate, making its continued operation unlawful.
“We had no option but to suspend operations because the environmental risks had become too great. Government’s responsibility is not only to support economic activities but also to protect people’s lives and the environment,” he said.
Resident Mines Officer for Dodoma Region, Engineer Menard Msengi, said technical assessments conducted jointly by the Mining Commission, NEMC and Dodoma City Council concluded that rehabilitation of the affected site was no longer feasible.
“The quarry is too close to the road. Continued excavation could weaken the ground and eventually damage the road, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
Eng Msengi said the government had started identifying an alternative mining area at Nzinje, where a mining group had already applied for a licence. He said authorities were working to facilitate relocation of miners to the new site to enable them to continue earning a living while complying with environmental regulations.
“We want to ensure these citizens continue with their economic activities, but in a safer and properly regulated environment,” he said.
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Meanwhile, residents said they were not adequately informed before the quarry was closed, adding that the site had supported many households for years.
While some residents blamed local leaders for the closure, others acknowledged that continued mining had created deep pits that posed serious risks to nearby communities and infrastructure. One of the miners, 95-yearold Seveline Amos, said the quarry had been his only source of livelihood.
“I have a family depending on me. At my age I have no other job. This is what I relied on to support my family. Life has now become very difficult. We appeal to the government to allow us to continue working,” he said.
Ms Senyamule said the miners had demonstrated willingness to work and support their families, adding that the government’s responsibility was to create conditions that protect both livelihoods and the environment.
