Governor Francisca Tomás of Manica province, Mozambique, is urging reduced environmental damage from gold mining and enhancing local healthcare. Unregulated mining poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, and Tomás calls for coordinated efforts to address these issues. She aims to improve healthcare access through the construction of more health centres and better staffing ratios for medical professionals.
In Mozambique’s Manica province, the governor, Francisca Tomás, has emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental damage caused by rampant gold mining in the area. This unregulated exploration has not only threatened public health but has also adversely affected agricultural productivity and educational outcomes. The inadequate extraction techniques employed by some mining companies contribute significantly to these pressing issues.
Governor Tomás has expressed concern over frequent violations of environmental standards by mining operations. Many companies engage in activities that alter river courses and degrade water quality, thereby jeopardizing local ecosystems and communities. She advocates for cooperative efforts to minimize the adverse effects of mining activities specifically in the Manica district.
One major concern is the use of mercury in ore washing, which contaminates rivers and soil, posing health risks to humans and animals alike. In response to inquiries about healthcare in the region, Governor Tomás highlighted the achievements of the past five years in improving access to health services. “We want to build more health centres to further reduce the ratio of nurses per inhabitant or doctors per inhabitant,” she stated.
The governor articulated an ambitious goal to establish health posts in every locality, aiming for a target of one doctor for approximately every 8,220 inhabitants. This initiative intends to diminish travel distances for residents seeking medical attention and proposes the placement of physicians in every administrative post to enhance healthcare accessibility further.
The article underscores the critical challenges posed by unregulated gold mining in Mozambique’s Manica province. Governor Francisca Tomás calls for immediate action to mitigate environmental damage while simultaneously striving to improve healthcare access for the local population. Her aspirations to establish more health centres and reduce the doctor-to-inhabitant ratio exemplify a commitment to the well-being of the community amidst these challenges.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
