Migori miners have benefited from mining training organized by the local Non-Government Organization to help curb and eradicate cases of injuries and death. According to Engineer Happison Muchangangi, an occupational, safety and health expert for NGO-Impact Facility the training comes after cases of deaths and serious injuries to miners.
The training which was held in Nyatike Sub County focused on occupational hazards that included environmental health and destruction of the Eco-system.Muchangangi added that the ongoing training will be conducted in areas where residents were engaged in Gold mining and extraction. The official said that the miners have welcomed the move and even proposed the sessions be done on an annual basis to help keep them enlightened.
Migori County Commissioner Mr. Meru Mwangi said that the situation in most of the mining sites was worsening due to reported cases of deaths and injuries.
He said that the security team will ensure that the miners comply with the regulations that include the proper acquisition of land and liable licenses that they can use during the mining exercise.
Migori County Mining Officer Mr. Joshua Boiwo said that the training exercise will go a long way in reducing the rampant cases of deaths and injuries to the gold miners in the county. “Majority of our residents that work in gold mines engage in dangerous mining activities regardless of their life”, noted Boiwo.
Boiwo said that the safety training will go a long way in eradicating many cases while at the same time empowering the miners with proper knowledge and skills on the best, secure and safety ways of mining in the mines.
On his part, the Migori Mineral Miners Association Chairman Mr. Kephas Ojuka said that the miners have welcomed the move and they look forward to cascading the message to other mining sites in Migori County.