Rwanda: Ngoma District residents raise concerns over mining activities damaging roads and farms

Residents of Mizibiri Village, Cyerwa Cell, Gashanda Sector in Ngoma District, are voicing concerns about the impact of mining operations by EPROCOMI Ltd, a mining company, on their infrastructure and farmland.

They claim the mining activities have destroyed a crucial road they relied on for transportation, which previously connected them to areas like Gisera and Kidugu. The once passable road is now impassable for any vehicles, with even bicycles struggling to pass. Additionally, runoff water from the mining sites is said to be causing erosion, damaging their farms and even reaching nearby wetlands.

"You see, they’ve destroyed the road… It used to be a busy route, linking us down to Gisera and Kidugu. Now, people have no choice but to cut through private farmland because there’s no road left. It’s frustrating; we really wish they’d restore our road, as this has become unbearable," One resident shared.

"We’re still hoping they might fix it, but right now, we have no road at all, not even a footpath. When the Governor visited our cell in June, right before the elections, I raised the issue with our sector’s leader, asking why nothing had been done. He promised to fix it within four days, but we’re still waiting," Another resident added.

A resident named Nkundimana noted that, apart from the road damage, runoff water from the mines has been causing severe erosion on their farmland.

"The road used to connect us to another village, and even cars could pass through. Now, it’s impassable for anyone. The water from the mines flows through our fields, causing erosion that stretches nearly two kilometers down to the wetland," He stated.

When contacted by IMIRASIRE.COM, Jean Baptiste Ndabarinze, a representative of EPROCOMI Ltd, dismissed the claims, arguing that their operations have no impact on the road above the mines.

"How could the road be damaged by water from the mines when it’s located above them? Our mining sites have no connection to that road," He remarked.

Despite this, Eric Nshimiyimana, who manages the MIZIBIRI site for EPROCOMI, confirmed that they had created a drainage channel to guide water from the mining pits and admitted they had repaired part of the road, although some sections have been planted by locals themselves.

In response to residents’ grievances, Gashanda Sector Executive Secretary, Ndayisaba Steven, expressed unawareness of the issue but pledged to investigate and find a solution.

"We frequently visit the mining site, but no resident had previously raised this issue with us. Now that it’s come to our attention, we’ll immediately look into it to determine the extent of the problem and resolve it as soon as possible," He stated.

When questioned about a resident who attempted to raise the issue with the Governor only to be redirected by the sector leader, Ndayisaba responded, "If I had an opportunity to address a problem alongside officials who could help resolve it, I wouldn’t ignore that. If this issue truly exists, we’ll use all necessary resources to address it."

Meanwhile, sources within EPROCOMI Ltd’s MIZIBIRI site have alleged that some workers frequent bars during working hours, returning to the mine afterward.

This practice has raised concerns over potential safety risks if workers return under the influence. However, company management dismissed these claims, stating that workers are regularly monitored and that any employee found intoxicated during work hours is not permitted to enter the mine.