KAMONYI – The Minister of Forestry and Mines, Christophe Bazivamo has warned residents of Kamonyi district against illegal mining activities which have caused loss of lives previously.

Bazivamo sounded the warning last Friday while visiting residents of Gacurabwenge sector in Kamonyi.

The warning comes days after three residents died and another three were seriously injured after a mining quarry in Rukoma sector collapsed.

The Minister and residents of Gacurabwenge held a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives. Bazivamo asked the district to organize the miners into cooperatives and acquire the necessary requirements before carrying out mining activities.

"There is no need for residents to continue losing their lives due to illegal mining activities. Those interested in the trade should be certified and given all the support needed so as to avoid such calamities”

The mayor of Kamonyi, Jacques Rutsinga, attributed the accident to resident’s continued involvement in illicit mining.

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