Rabai Residents Protest Over Pollution by Jumbo Metal Company
By The COAST Reporter
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.copm
A major row is in the offing between a metal firm and residents of Rabai village over pollution.
Consequently, the residents held a demonstration demanding for immediate closure of metal manufacturing company.
They are accusing it of polluting the environment and causing health hazards in the area.
They claim some of them, children in particular, have been suffering from various respiratory diseases such as chest pains and uncontrolled coughing due to dangerous smoke and chemical emissions.
The angry residents led by Harrison Gonzi (village elder), Mwangale Chitsa,John Makame and Mourine Munga also accused a number of government agencies including NEMA of failing to enforce the law on the company.
Meanwhile, Jumbo Metal Millers Ltd management denied the claims accusing the residents also of malice and ill motives.
Addressing the media in his office over the claims , Govinda Patel, the Company General Manager however said whereas there has been problem of smoke coming from their furnace, the same had been mitigated.
Patel added that new technology has been put in place by their engineers to ensure smoke being released in the air from the company is environmentally friendly.
He also called on the area residents to be friendly and work together with the company.
He said he was providing them with employment and other social amenities.