English
Kinyarwanda
Authorities in Burera District have warned residents against illegal mining activities, which sometimes result into disasters and loss of lives.
While addressing the residents in Ruhunda sector on May 3, the mayor of Burera Florence Uwambajemariya reminded that mining is only done by professionals working for a licensed mining company.
Ruhunda is one of the sectors in Burera with mining sites including Karenda mining concession.
Mayor Uwambajemariya observed that a number of illegal mining activities in the district have either killed or left those involved with lifetime injuries.
"We need to work together as residents, leaders and security organs as well as owners of these concessions to prevent such illegal and sometimes deadly acts," the mayor said.
He also reminded owners of the concessions to use professional procedures, ensure security of their sites and conduct their mining activities in an enviromental friendly manner.
Commenting on illegal mining, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Alex Fata, the District Police Commander of Burera said that they will continue to conduct operations against illegal acts.
He urged residents around mining concessions to desist from illegal mining in order to avoid such accidents, and to report people they see going into these concessions especially at night.
He also called on mining companies to strictly provide protective gear to their miners whenever they are on duty.
Article 438 of the Penal Code condemns illegal mining and unauthorized mineral exploration, with a term of imprisonment between six months and one year, plus a fine between Rwf3 million and Rwf10 million or one of these penalties.
