By Prudence Siabana
Residents and property owners in Chilanga district in Lusaka have petitioned 13 government ministries to intervene in the halting of mining activities of quarry stone and sand in the area.
Chairperson of the Lusaka West Environmental Group Mapanza Nkwilimba has told Phoenix News that the residents are facing serious environmental degradation caused by mining activities which has been caused by uncontrolled dust and fumes resulting from rock blasting and vehicles transporting quarry.
Mr Nkwilimba says these activities have been causing respiratory and other health related complications to the surrounding communities.
He explains that as a result of the mining activities in the area, residents have also been experiencing dried boreholes due to disruption of underground water.
Mr Nkwilimba has since called on government to intervene and address these concerns by the communities in order to stop further environmental degradation which has led to and continues to lead to loss of livelihoods due to dying agriculture activities and destruction of properties in the areas.
