Owners of mining firms have been called upon to take preventive measures to secure their concessions to prevent acts of illegal mining, which result into disasters and loss of lives. The call follows separate incidents in mining sites, where some people have died while mining illegal, in most cases at night. On May Saturday, a 26-year old man identified as Jean Baptiste Hakizimana was killed by a cliff as he was mining illegally in Rucekeri Company Limited, a tin concession in Akamatamu of Jabana Sector in Gasabo District. Recently, a similar incident happened in Rulindo and Muhanga where two people died. Illegal mining is perceived as one of the major causes of environmental degradation and disasters. Explaining on the Gasabo incident, Supt. Emmanuel Hitayezu, Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that Hakizimana, who was also an employee of Rucekeri Company Limited, on Saturday, together with other people went to mine tin illegally late in the evening. “Unfortunately, Hakizimana was buried by a cliff, which was weak and unsupported and he died instantly, while others escaped unhurt,” Supt. Hitayezu said. “We urged owners of managers of these concessions to take stringent measures to ensure that their sites a protected from illegal activities, which result into such unfortunate by avoidable incidents,” he added. He went on to remind the public that no one is allowed to practice mining without a license or enter a concession without the required protective gears. “Mining is arguably one of the government’s source of revenue and definitely a source of employment but is has to be done to the maximum standard.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw
