Ingagula residents, in Hwange are facing a serious health crisis due to excessive dust pollution caused by heavy truck traffic and coal mining operations. This alarming situation has been highlighted by Hwange Local Board (HLB) Ward 3 Councillor, Bryn Chikumbo, who warns of a looming public health disaster.
“The entire suburb is enveloped in a thick cloud of dust generated by the constant movement of haulage trucks,” said Councillor Chikumbo. “This has led to a significant increase in respiratory illnesses among our residents. We are sitting on a health time bomb, waiting to explode,”
Despite repeated appeals to authorities, including Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and Chinese mining companies, the situation remains unchanged. Councillor Chikumbo revealed that despite numerous petitions detailing the severe health consequences of the dust, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
In response to the escalating crisis, Member of Parliament Daniel Molokele has assured residents that he will raise the issue in Parliament. “This blatant disregard for public health is a failure of political leadership,” stated MP Molokele. “I will formally address the relevant Minister with a written question during the next parliamentary session.”