Chimoio, Mozambique, Sept. 3, 2025 (Lusa) - The authorities in Manica province, central Mozambique, have acknowledged their inability to halt river pollution caused by artisanal and industrial mining in the region, calling for "structuring measures" from the central government.

"There are aspects that don't belong to our level. They go beyond the level of the province, beyond the level of the district," said Lourenço Lindonde, Secretary of State in Manica province, during a provincial parliamentary meeting.

According to the official, the solution to river pollution in that province requires "a lot of care".

"Nowadays, the use of force is expensive; the population reacts very badly when force is used," he explained, emphasising the need for "structuring measures"to stop pollution.

Lourenço Lindonde also argued that the measures to solve the problem should come from Mozambique's central government.

On 19 August, Lusa reported that the Mozambican authorities had fined six more mining companies for pollution, bringing to 11 the number of such companies penalised for environmental crimes in Manica province, central Mozambique.

"Last week, while we were holding the national meeting to improve the strategy for mitigating environmental problems, which took place here in Manica province, we made field visits, where we realised that there are still companies that break the law," said Grácio Cune, the national mining inspector.

According to the representative, each mining company was penalised according to the type of infraction committed: "that's what we did, as the law dictates."

In May, the President of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo,  announced the suspension of the activities of five mining companies in the province of Manica for environmental offences and pollution.

Chapo warned at the time that the pollution of the rivers hinders agricultural activity, even leading to the death of animals and people in the province.

"Because of mining, all the rivers are polluted (...), at the moment we have suspended five companies that were committing this environmental crime, because the activities they are carrying out are spoiling the environment," the head of state said at the time.

The president said that, in addition to suspending their activities, the mining companies will be forced to pay fines for the offences committed.

"If they continue to pollute the environment, we will even collect the machines that are there and sell them at public auction," he said.

LYCE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa