More than 40 families are facing a constructive eviction from a quarry company

One of the houses affected by the vibration

By witnessradio.org Team

Buikwe/Uganda – a quarry company, Famous 2009 limited is constructively evicting more than 40 families off their ancestral land, witnessradio.org has learned. Famous 2009 Limited, a general works contractor was founded and registered in 2010 in Uganda.

According to the company site, Famous 2009 limited is hired to build apartments and runs a number of stone quarries. The company further boosts of being ‘known for its keen sense of corporate social responsibility and commitment to sustainability and community welfare. “We have been involved in giving back to its community through many charity donations and construction of different police posts to ensure the safety and security of its community and the members” according to the company.

However, victims of rock quarry site based at Kikube-Buleega, Ngogwe Sub-county, Buikwe district, accuse the company of failing to protect them from flying debris, quarry-dust, noise pollution and vibration, whose effects have caused illness and disabilities among the population, and caused abnormalities among animals and domestic birds among other challenges.

Some victims say, well as the company did not carry out consultations and/or awareness before blasting the rock, complaints about the effects of rock quarrying from communities are overlooked by Famous 2009 Limited. Instead, offer peanuts for families to vacate their land.

One of the company sites

Mirembe Desita, not real name due to fear of retaliation said is one of the many victims of rock quarrying. She revealed that

she has been in and out of the hospital as a result of rock quarrying. “Ever since they started carrying out blasting, I have been disturbed by the blasting. My family members…carry me away from my home when the company blasts the rock and this has been happening since September, 2020” said Mirembe.

Ragil Rajeev, an operations manager for Famous 2009 limited denied the claims saying that they take care of communities while carrying out the stone blasting.

When he was asked what exactly does his company do while carrying out the stone blasting, he replied by saying, we shall call you back for a better explanations.

Mirembe Desita, not real name due to fear of retaliation said is one of the many victims of rock quarrying. She revealed that she has been in and out of the hospital as a result of rock quarrying. “Ever since they started carrying out blasting, I have been disturbed by the blasting. My family members…carry me away from my home when the company blasts the rock and this has been happening since September 2020” said Mirembe.

Ragil Rajeev, an operations manager for Famous 2009 limited denied the claims saying that they take care of communities while carrying out the stone blasting.

When he was asked what exactly his company do while carrying out the stone blasting, he replied by saying, we shall call you back for a better explanation.