An Assessment Of The Effects Of Bricks And Aggregates Quarrying On The Environment At Uwandani Pemba

ABSTRACT

Quarrying activities have become a fundamental method in contemporary development of mining sector as most of mining firms emphasize on quarrying activities. The study specifically sought to assess socio-economic importance, environmental impacts, interventional measure taken on environmental conservation, and challenges during conservation. The study was based on a case study of Uwandani quarrying sites, because it portrays accurately the characteristic situation in other bricks/aggregates quarrying done in Zanzibar. Survey of literature and documentary review was used in the study and qualitative and quantitative data were collected from stakeholder involved in the study. The study revealed that most of indigenous people were engaged in Uwandani sites, even if their involvement in site varied, but the majority were involved in bricks/aggregates quarrying. The perceived benefit of bricks/aggregates quarrying was observed “positive” and “acceptable”. Quarries have enabled them to afford daily necessities such as food, shelter and clothes. However, quarrying practices have resulted into environmental degradation such as land degradation, water pollution, air pollution, habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. Other effects were health impacts, socio-cultural and moral destruction. On environmental awareness the government, non-governmental institutions together with communities had taken measure on environmental conservation including land restoration and reforestation, provision of environmental education and financial support for conservation. Despite the conservation efforts made, environmental effects are generally escalating in Uwandani. It is upon this background that the researcher called on surrounding communities to be involved actively on the formulation stage of environmental policy and go as far as implicating regulations and rules. Moreover, environmental awareness and/or conservation education, monitoring and evaluation should be given priorities, hence, improve environmental sustainability.