Mining blasts shatter homes

By: Mathatisi Sebusi/Mohalenyane Phakela

A CHINESE-OWNED crusher and quarry mining company has come under heavy criticism from five Bela Bela villages who claim its blasting operations are destroying their homes and livelihoods.

Communities living near the site report that frequent powerful explosions from Moruo Mining and Construction Company have caused severe structural damages to their houses, which include cracked walls, weakened foundations and falling off plaster.

Mining debris is increasingly rendering fields unproductive and pastures unusable. Residents of Ha Tuke, Mechaling, Ha Lephallo, Ha Pitso and Mokotane say they now live in fear, wondering for how much longer their homes will withstand the blasts.

Some have already been forced to relocate due to safety concerns yet so far the mining company has only resettled two households. Despite the disruption and severe losses the host community has endured, the villagers claim Moruo has failed to make any meaningful developments or investments in the area. Villagers argue that instead of benefitting from the mining activity, they are paying a heavy price through damaged property, noise pollution, unhealthy exposure to dust and a declining quality of life.

They insist that the company, which has been operating for four years and was recently awarded a fresh 10-year lease by the Ministry of Natural Resources, should be held accountable and be compelled to either repair the affected homes or adopt safer, community-friendly mining methods.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, would not confirm whether the ministry is aware of the situation and only said: “Ask them to submit a formal complaint to the ministry”.