NEW HOPE FOR HAVELOCK ASBESTOS MINE VICTIMS

PIGG’S PEAK – It has been nearly 30 years since some of the former employees of Havelock Mine retired but for most of them, the effects of the deadly asbestos are still real and literally eating into their health.

The mine dumps left behind by the Havelock Mine works are still standing today in Bulembu.
Exposure to asbestos may cause inflammation of the lungs resulting in shortage of breath.

Asbestos has been banned in 55 countries worldwide, but not in China, Russia, India, Canada – or the United States.
On Monday, throngs of ex-miners gathered at Gobolondlo to register for compensation under the Asbestos Relief Fund (ARF).
At least 172 have so far registered for a procedure that could see them receiving thousands of Emalangeni in compensation.

This procedure involves undergoing free medical examination for the purpose of determining whether they had been affected by the deadly mineral.

Sumaya Moosa, the Trust Manager for ARF, said the registration includes people who worked at the mine from 1985 to 1988.
Moosa said the fund only accommodates people who worked at Havelock Mine when it was being managed by GENCOR.

Advanced

 She revealed that the medical examination required one to undergo advanced X-Ray.
Moosa could not give the details of how much the people would be paid but said this would depend on the extent of the effects of the asbestos per individual.

A specialist medical practitioner is being utislised for advanced X-Ray, according to Moosa.
She further revealed that transport costs of the ex-miners were catered for, as some travelled from far places around the country.
“We do not want anyone to be left out because the fund is valid for 25 years,” she said.

She further revealed that ARF is working in conjunction with the Swaziland Migrant Mineworkers Association SWAMMIWA.
Vama Jele, the Executive Secretary of SWAMMIWA, was present during the registration process.

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