LAKE ZONE: Geita Gold Mine challenged over noise pollution

By Jackline Masinde ,The Citizen Correspondent

In Summary

• Residents of Katoma and Nyamarembo areas who are the victims of the pollution accused Geita District commissioner, Manzie Mangochie, of supporting the mine’s wrongdoings.

GEITA.The main opposition, Chadema in Geita Constituency has threatened to stage a peaceful demonstration to oppose the noise pollution produced by Geita Gold Mine (GGM).

Residents of Katoma and Nyamarembo areas who are the victims of the pollution accused Geita District commissioner, Manzie Mangochie, of supporting the mine’s wrongdoings. 

Chadema’s reaction follows recent reports that three residents of Katoma Village reportedly collapsed as GGM workers blasted rocks which produced a very loud sound.

Speaking with The Citizen, the district’s Chadema chairman, Mr Alphonce Mawazo, said the expected demonstration would be held on an unknown day depending on the readiness of wananchi to support the party.

“The government has neglected its role of improving your welfare…for if it really cares for you, it could have made sure that challenges facing you are being well addressed...however, the situation is different,” Mr Mawazo told wananchi.

He added; “no peace will be attained without people’s struggles which include staging demos as well as fighting…I urge you (wananchi) to support Chadema’s move which is aimed at liberating you.”

While airing their grievances before their chairman earlier, Katoma residents said recently GGM workers broke rocks which produced a shocking sound that eventually caused their fellow residents, Ms Leah Deogratis and Wilium Gendambanyika to lose faint.

They said the victims were admitted to Geita District Hospital. They also said the noise pollution produced by the mine forced some residents to migrate from the village.