Women and children in north central Guadalcanal and Downstream of Metapona River are still living in fear following the suspension of the Gold Ridge Mining Limited’s operation.
Speaking to the Solomon Star early this week they said despite the closer of the mining operation the tailings dam remains a concern for them because it contains highly toxic wastes and dangerous chemicals that can cause death and affects their root crops and vegetables.
A concern mother Pricilla Bana said the threat from the tailings dam is causing so much fear to them and their families.
She said since the company pulled out there was no monitoring of the dams, adding that should there be a major earthquake happening it would had an impact on the tailings dam.
Other woman Rose Poru who lives near the tailings dam said she is very worried that anything can happen to the dam any time and people living downstream would be affected.
She said her people want the government responsible authorities to do something and also advise them what to do should there be any disaster.
Recently a report conducted following an assessment, found the tailings dam was “highly contaminated”.
Operations at the Gold mine came to a halt following the April flash flood.
BY SOLOMON LOFANA
