Ward 5 residents have brought their grievances about a mine operating in the areas to the Department of Mineral, Resources and Energy (DMRE) offices in eMalahleni today

The community said that due to the frequent blasting from the mine, their homes have been severely damaged and destroyed.

The dust after blastings is also a health concern, especially to children and older people, residents said.

They went on to claim that the mine operating in the area is blasting at a closer radius than what is required.

Ward 5 Councillor Walter Ngwenya who was a part of the meeting at the DMRE offices said that the mine and the department are not considering residents’ grievances.

“The inspectors, senior and delegated are well aware of the issue that has affected the community, numerous meetings have been held but no assistance has been provided,” Ngwenya said.

Community members have requested that the DMRE offices shut down mine operations until the matter has been resolved. They went on to say that they would not exit the offices until the mine had been shut down.

This is a developing story.

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