BLACK MOUNTAIN EMISSIONS CHOKE RESIDENTS

RESIDENTS in Kitwe have complained over the incessant noise and emissions resulting from blasting activities at the Black Mountain.

The residents in Wusakile, Miseshi, Ndeke, Nkana East and Nkana West complained that there was indiscriminate blasting from the Black Mountain near the 16-feet bridge, which was causing choking emissions and loud noise.

The residents advised that small-scale miners, who have a 10 percent stake in the slug, should involve blasting experts to help control the levels of the noise and fumes.

Michael Chiti said in an inter- view that the blasting and other mining activities were not being done in a professional manner and feared that the activities would affect residents in the nearby townships.

He said the noise and other forms of pollution was disturbing to the residents especially the children and the old people.

The Black Mountain is close to the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriage way and the Copperbelt Mining and Agriculture Commercial Show Society.

Mr Chiti observed that residents in the affected residential areas were failing to live in a quiet and peaceful life and called on the Mine Safety department to intervene.

He said the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) should equally get involved.

Another resident of Nkana West Ruth Sakala felt that workers and the small-scale miners themselves were equally at risk because they were not taking precautions.

She said motorists using the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway were also at risk because of flying debris that could cause serious injury.

Mr Martin Banda of Wusakile said the rail line that links the Copperbelt to the rest of the country was so close to the Black Mountain and was getting weaker with constant blasting.