English
Kinyarwanda
Mining companies have been reminded to take safety and professional measures to prevent likely disasters that might arise out of negligence and carelessness.
The call follows last Friday's incident in Gakenke District where two miners died and another one seriously injured when a cliff curved in as they were mining.
The mining site located in Mbirima Cell of Coko Sector belongs to a company abbreviated as SEMIRWA owned by one Placide Gaju.
Chief Inspector of Police, Andre Hakizimana, Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said that although the company has all the required documents to conduct mining activities at the site, it is likely that they did not measure the status of the cliff before entering in to start mining.
"It is not about securing a license and other required documents or buying protective gears alone; there's also need to measure and know where likely dangers like unsupported or weakened cliffs by heavy rains and take preventive measures," CIP Hakizimana said.
He added: "Professional mining requires professional tools, professional people and professional techniques."
He further noted that Rwanda National Police conducts awareness among miners, but added that in case such disasters occur, people should rush to inform Police to ensure timely response and rescue.
He also warned against illegal mining, especially conducted at night at times in closed sites, and appealed to the general public to report such individuals in order to prevent such disasters.
