Assessment of the Effects of Stone Quarrying Activities:

Abstract

This study is about assessing the effects of stone quarrying activities on stone quarry workers, surrounding communities and the environment. It was conducted at Kawanga stone quarry in Kireka township, Wakiso district. The independent variable in this study was quarrying and the dependent variables being the health and socio-economic effects on workers, surrounding communities and the environment. The specific objectives included investigating the socio-economic characteristics of those engaged in stone crushing in Kawanga quarry, identify the occupational health safety and environmental hazards involved in stone quarrying and describing the legal and policy framework that govern stone quarrying in Uganda. The study population was men, women and children workers at Kawanga stone quarry. An exploratory kind of study was adopted and quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. Data was analysed using excel and SPSS. The study finding revealed that stone quarrying positively contributes to socio-economic wellbeing of workers and also enhances the growth of other livelihoods of surrounding communities like development of small trading centres and roads but also quarrying activities have immense negative effects on the health of workers mainly respiratory ailments, cracks on houses of surrounding communities and land degradation, water and air pollution of the environment. Further finding revealed the existence of legal policies that govern work in the quarries though their implementation is a huge challenge. In view of the above, various recommendations including strengthening the implementation of policies and skills building of quarry workers, have been suggested through a holistic approach from all stakeholders.