Hwange residents petition Parly

TENDAI BHEBE

Hwange residents this week petitioned Parliament to review the pneumoconiosis law to protect them from mining related diseases, Business Times can report.

The Pneumoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08) came into operation on August 1 1971 to provide for the control and administration of persons employed in dusty occupations; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing.

It was designed to respond to health issues affecting those employed in dusty occupations.

In its petition, the Greater Whange Residents Association (GWRA), said residents were vulnerable to health risks associated with coal mining in the area.

“Residents that are not employees of coal mines are susceptible to health risks associated with coal mining, without the protection of the law. With the increase in coal and related mining activities, the number of persons that are not subject to the protection of the law has also increased.

“It is desirable that the Act be reviewed to embrace the protection of all persons that stay or live in environments that are subjected to mining dust. Ordinary residents of Hwange that are not employed in the coal mines are not benefiting from the provisions of the Act as currently framed,” part of the petition reads.

The residents said coal mining was a key industry in Hwange and impacts on both the residents and the environment.

For instance, those directly employed in coal mines are eligible for regular medical checks under the Act to determine the impact of coal dust on their health, particularly the heart and kidneys.

However, ordinary residents are not beneficiaries of such tests.

But many are affected by pneumoconiosis, which can cause impairment, disability and premature death. The two main types of pneumoconiosis that affect miners are coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and silicosis.

CWP, commonly called black lung, affects workers in coal mining while silicosis can affect workers in many types of mines and quarries, including coal mines.

The town of Hwange is home to over 50 000 residents. These include women and children that are not employed as miners.

“Coal mining is a key industry in that town and impacts on both the residents and the environment of Hwange town and beyond. Hwange is surrounded by land which falls under the National Parks,” said the petition.

A recent report by the Centre for Natural Resources Governance on the situation of coal mining in Hwange – Special Focus On Hwange Colliery Company revealed that the quality of air in Hwange town is hazardous for human health.

The GWRA added that the constitution provides that all persons are equal before the law and have a right to equal protection and benefit of the law.