By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent
Development is often seen as a boon to communities, but in Nathenje and surrounding villages, it is proving to be a double-edged sword.
Quarries operating in the area have created employment opportunities for locals. However, these companies have failed to provide meaningful social corporate services, such as access to clean water, proper infrastructure like schools, or medical equipment for nearby health centres.
One pressing concern is the impact of blasting operations. Many homes in the affected communities have developed cracks, and some structures have even partially collapsed. Despite this, no compensation has been provided to the residents.
The quarrying activities have also contributed to environmental hazards, including land degradation, soil erosion, and infertile agricultural land. Additionally, the area is reportedly prone to chronic diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), with Ministry of Health data indicating that many communities surrounding quarry sites are affected.
Mr. Joseph Mangochi, a resident of Pansi village, expressed his fears, stating, “Every day, we live in worry because of the quarries. One community member even died when a rock hit him on the head. We are literally sitting on a time bomb; it could blast at any moment.”
Attempts by residents to raise these concerns with local authorities have reportedly been met with indifference. Villagers also say that quarry workers are not provided with protective clothing, such as hats, gumboots, overalls, or eye protection. During a site visit, this reporter observed workers handling heavy materials with bare hands. One worker explained, “We are being ill-treated. Our wages are low, and most of the time our bosses shout at us.”
Group Village Headman of Pansi, whose community has been heavily affected, added, “The quarry owners are not assisting us at all. We requested a borehole in the village, but our request was ignored. They are exploiting us and taking our land. Any cyclone or flood could devastate our homes, just like what happened to communities in the Southern Region.”
A random survey conducted by this reporter confirmed that quarry owners are not engaging in any social corporate responsibility projects. The survey also documented multiple homes with structural damage from blasting, posing life-threatening risks to residents. Attempts to contact quarry owners for comment were unsuccessful.
Some of the quarries operating in the area include Sinosky, Chawezi, Terrastone, ZZeth, and CHNN, among others. The most affected villages are Mongo, Chauma, Maye, Nderere, Bwemba, Pansi, Dilawo, and Nathenje.
Communities in these areas are, in the words of residents, “sitting on a time bomb,” with their lives at constant risk. Key questions remain: Are authorities aware of these hazards? Were environmental impact assessments conducted before the quarries began operations? Are the quarry owners using authorized equipment for blasting?
The government is being urged to act urgently to address these concerns, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure responsible and safe quarry operations in Nathenje and surrounding areas.
