Chinese firm warned against use of powerful explosives

Gasabo district has issued a stern warning to the Chinese firm dealing in stone mining activities in Jabana, over their continued use of strong explosives to blast stones, a process that has led to further destruction of area residents’ properties.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Gasabo district has issued a stern warning to the Chinese firm dealing in stone mining activities in Jabana, over their continued use of strong explosives to blast stones, a process that has led to further destruction of area residents’ properties.

The warning come few days after a group of affected residents recently petitioned the district that the firms’ activities in the area were still affecting their well being as some of their houses were still being destroyed.

"We visited the area and warned the firm over the explosives,” Willy Ndizeye, the Gasabo mayor said yesterday.

Kigali City, in February also warned the firm over the use of strong explosives which was against the contract that was signed before the firm’s mining activities started.

The firm then agreed to reduce on the power of the explosives used and ensure safe methods that are not hazardous to the residents, but this was not followed up.

"Some people in the area complained to us that their properties were still being destroyed by the firms’ activities but we responded quickly and warned the firm over these explosives,” Ndizeye added.

The affected residents also requested to be compensated for the damages. But Ndizeye said they are still working on that.

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