Governor Francisca Tomás of Manica, Mozambique, highlights the environmental damages caused by gold mining practices that endanger public health, agriculture, and education. She calls for adherence to environmental standards and plans to improve healthcare access by building more health centers to reduce the doctor-to-population ratio.
The province of Manica in Mozambique faces significant environmental challenges due to aggressive gold mining practices. The exploration not only threatens the environment but also jeopardizes public health, agricultural productivity, and educational development. Governor Francisca Tomás highlighted the detrimental effects of inappropriate extraction techniques that impact local communities.
In a candid interview, Governor Tomás expressed concern over mining companies that disregard environmental regulations by altering river courses and contaminating water supplies. She emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts to minimize mining-related damage, particularly in the Manica district.
A critical issue is the use of mercury for washing ore, resulting in sediment pollution of rivers and soil, thus endangering the health of the local population, wildlife, and ecosystems. In response to inquiries about health service conditions, Governor Tomás stated goals for improving healthcare access, including plans to construct more health centers to enhance the doctor-to-population ratio.
The objective is to achieve a ratio of one doctor per 8,220 inhabitants by establishing health posts in all areas, especially in larger settlements. These initiatives aim to significantly decrease the distance residents travel to healthcare facilities, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enhance health services throughout the province. The governor also seeks to position a doctor in each administrative post as a measure to further improve healthcare accessibility for the population.
The exploration of gold in Manica poses dire environmental and public health challenges. Governor Francisca Tomás advocates for strict adherence to environmental regulations and the implementation of coordinated efforts to mitigate damage. Concurrently, significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure are planned to enhance accessibility for residents. These measures indicate a commitment to protect both the local environment and public well-being, aiming to strike a balance between economic activities and community health.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
