Governor Francisca Tomás of Manica province emphasizes the urgent need for mining regulations to mitigate environmental damage caused by gold extraction. The use of harmful practices like mercury washing threatens health and ecology. Plans for improved healthcare infrastructure aim to provide better access and reduce the nurse-to-doctor ratio for residents.
The unregulated mining of gold in the Manica district is causing significant environmental harm, thus threatening public health, agricultural activities, and education. The drive for resource extraction for subsistence is coupled with inadequate extraction techniques, which has raised alarms for the provincial governor, Francisca Tomás.
Governor Tomás expressed concern over the frequent violations of environmental standards by mining companies, which adversely affect water quality and alter river courses. She calls for a concerted effort to mitigate the negative impacts of mining practice, particularly in the Manica district, to protect both the environment and community health.
The extraction process notably involves the use of mercury for washing ore and the disposal of contaminated sediment, endangering both animal and human health, as well as the ecosystem. Responding to questions about healthcare goals, Tomás stated, “We want to build more health centres to further reduce the ratio of nurses per inhabitant or doctors per inhabitant,” aiming for one doctor per every 8,220 people.
Additionally, plans include establishing health posts in populated areas and reducing distances for community members seeking medical assistance. By implementing these strategies, the government aims to enhance health accessibility and improve the overall health service delivery in the district.
The relentless gold mining in Manica exhibits serious environmental and health concerns, prompting Governor Francisca Tomás to advocate for better regulations and practices. The province seeks to enhance healthcare infrastructure by pursuing specific goals to improve the availability of medical professionals. Enhanced cooperation is vital to prevent further damage from mining operations while safeguarding public health and ecosystems.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
