KIGALI - Jabana residents are set to receive their compensation after Kigali City Council (KCC), in conjunction with Gasabo District finalised the evaluation to assess the damage that was caused by mining activities in the area.
According to KCC’s Communications Officer, Bruno Rangira, the evaluation committee had already established the amount to be dished out.

"The evaluation committee after an assessment has established the damage done by the stone quarry in Jabana to be worth Rwf16.9 million,” said Rangira yesterday.
He added that the committees had finished compiling the report and would soon send it to the Ministry of Forestry and Mining for consideration.

"I think when the report reaches the ministry, it will be upon them to give it to the Chinese company that is mining in the area so that it can compensate the affected residents,” Rangira said.

The Jabana issue caused a commotion a few weeks ago leading to the summoning of City Mayor Aisa Kirabo Kacyira by the City Advisory Council to explain why she neglected the issue after residents had raised the alarm.

It was also reported a few weeks back that explosives the Chinese company was using to blast rocks at the quarry were damaging nearby buildings.

The matter also attracted the attention of the Ombudsman’s office and the Ministry of Local government before it could get the attention it deserved.

Speaking to The New Times, one of the residents wondered whether the mining activities will continue after the compensation. 

"If nothing is done to reduce effects of the mining activities, it will mean history repeating itself since our houses will still be damaged by the vibrations from the explosives,” he said.

The stone quarry is also reported to be emitting dust and smoke, hence exposing residents to health hazards.

According to sources in the Ministry of Forestry and Mining, the Chinese company will have to use more environmental friendly machines as was stipulated in the contract.

"The Company had in the first place breached the contract by using powerful explosives…they will have to change their equipment and use environmentally friendlier ones,” said the source.

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