There is a ready market for crushed stones in Chitungwiza and surrounding suburbs that are still developing. “Stone crushing is the only way for us to generate income. Burning old tyres, which are readily available, on the rocks makes our work much easier,” said one stone crusher. The Environment Management Agency says it is aware of the practice and has cautioned the perpetrators. The burning tyres are irritating residents, who complain of billows of smoke that pollute the air.
“We have been subjected to this for a long time now – breathing the polluted air. It’s high time the government intervened,” said Natasha Chiropa, a resident. Another resident, Elvis Mugeji, felt that the process of stone extraction was not only causing pollution but also destroying the natural scenery.