A historical study of the impact of Chilanga Cement Factory on Chilanga Township,1949-1995
Date
2016
Authors
Habeenzu, Chilala
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Influenced by studies that focus on social, economic and industrial life of urban areas in Africa and beyond, this study seeks to illuminate how the creation of the Chilanga Cement Factory in the late 1940s impacted on the development of Chilanga Township and the surrounding environment. The study postulates that the cement factory stood at the centre of the establishment and growth of Chilanga Township through its creation of job opportunities and provision of such social services as education, health and recreation facilities. It argues that in providing jobs, schools, clinics and other services, the factory attracted many people, both black and white, to work at the factory or settle near it. Stated in other words, the Chilanga Cement Factory served as the engine of the development of the Chilanga Township.
However, the production of cement at the factory had also adverse consequences for both the people and the nearby environment. This study argues that the production of cement led to harmful emissions and dust which compromised human, animal and crop life. The emissions and dust from the factory resulted in bronchial diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, and other respiratory health complications. The study shows that by the 1990s, the environment around the Chilanga Cement Factory had become polluted, leading to soil infertility and plant diseases.
Description
Master of Arts in History
Keywords
Cement Industry-Environmental Aspects-Chilanga, Zambia , Cement-Industry-Risk Assessment-Chilanga, Zambia