Johnson Progress

A Member of Parliament has raised concerns over a surge in silicosis cases, a deadly lung disease affecting mine workers across Zimbabwe.

Kwekwe Central legislator Judith Tobaiwa called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to urgently address the health issue, citing widespread mining activities and lack of protective gear as major contributors.

Tobaiwa emphasized that the health dangers of silicosis outweigh the employment benefits, with young people being exposed to significant health hazards.

“While this may be accompanied by employment opportunities for our young people, unfortunately, the health dangers outweigh the employment benefits,” she said.

“Young people are being exposed to health hazards, in particular, silicosis,” she added.

Tobaiwa specifically criticized mining companies owned by Chinese nationals, accusing them of neglecting workers’ safety.

“The majority of the mining companies, especially those owned by Chinese nationals, are not providing employees with adequate protective safety wear and hence their workers end up contracting silicosis,” she said.

The legislator cited alarming statistics, claiming that about 10 people die from silicosis every month at Kwekwe General Hospital, with five recent deaths in her constituency.

According to recent statistics, 19% of artisanal and small-scale miners in Zimbabwe are affected by silicosis.

Tobaiwa appealed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to present a Ministerial Statement outlining measures to ensure worker safety in mining operations.

“I request that the Minister of Mines and Mining Development brings a Ministerial Statement to advise on measures that the Government is taking to enforce safe working standards at all mining sites to save people’s lives,” she said.

Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust, prevalent in mining environments.

The disease can lead to severe respiratory issues and increased vulnerability to diseases like tuberculosis.

With the growing number of cases, there is an urgent need for improved health and safety measures in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.