Frustration is mounting among families in Mpolonjeni, Mbabane, as repeated quarry blasting has left a trail of damage to homes. The blasting, which has been ongoing for close to 20 years, has increased significantly since a new company took over operations in January. Residents claim that 250 homes have developed cracks in their walls and had windows broken due to the blasting.
The loudest and most disturbing blast occurred on September 30, shaking the ground like a tremor. Those responsible for the blasting have since visited affected homes to collect data and record the extent of the damage. Residents described the blasts as increasingly intense, saying the ground beneath their homes shook violently each time explosives were detonated.
The affected families said the vibrations were causing continuous damage, including cracks in walls, falling ceilings and broken windows, while some reported stones landing on their properties. Several houses visited had visible cracks running from roof to floor in different sections of the buildings. One resident said plans to extend his house had been abandoned after construction work was repeatedly compromised by vibrations.
The complaints extend beyond structural damage, with residents saying crushing, drilling and other quarry activities were generating significant dust and noise, making it difficult for families to sleep and for pupils preparing for examinations to concentrate. The disturbance was particularly concerning at night, adding another layer of frustration, as families claimed they could no longer keep their windows open during the week for fear of dust entering their homes.
According to the residents, they were generally only able to open their windows freely at weekends, when blasting did not take place. They also complained about a road used by residents that passes close to the quarry, saying it was always closed after 4:30 pm, affecting their ability to move around and attend to daily errands. Children have become increasingly frightened by the blasts, particularly following a recent incident.
The residents described a recent blast as particularly severe, saying it caused broken window panes and damaged household fittings. They questioned whether a different blasting method or explosives had been used. Affected residents began visiting homesteads to document the damage and gather information on the number of homes affected, identifying about 250 affected homesteads.
The residents are calling for an independent investigation into the damage and the effects of the blasting, rather than simply an immediate closure of the quarry. They want the condition of affected homes documented and the cause of the cracks, broken windows and damaged ceilings established. Motshane MP Wilton Nkambule expressed concern about the recent blasting, saying his home was about two kilometres from the quarry and that he had felt the tremors and vibrations.
Key points
- 250 homes damaged due to quarry blasting in Eswatini
- Residents complain of increased vibrations and noise from the quarry
- Independent investigation into damage and effects of blasting is demanded by residents
