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Nyasha Mapasa Manicaland Correspondent

Sakubva residents have voiced concern over the increase in home industries in the area, which could cause health problems due to chemicals used by the craftsmen in making their products.

Sakubva is home to one of the largest home industries in Mutare, Green Market, where hundreds of carpenters, welders and other traders work.

Residents who stay close to the industrial hub said they were worried by its proximity to their homes, since saw dust generated and the chemicals used by the craftsmen in their furniture factories is affecting them.

Ms Stacey Ngwarai from Sakubva said she suspects that her chest pains were a result of inhaling air polluted by the activities at the home industry.

“We appreciate that these people have an opportunity to use their talents and earn a living through honest and decent work, but we are also concerned about our health,” she said.

“The saw dust that is generated there and the wood vanish they use are affecting our health. Council should make sure the industry is moved to suitable places.”

Another resident Mr Admire Dzitira said besides the effects to health, there was also an issue of noise from the home industry.

“The people usually start work as early as 5am and the level of noise that comes from there is just annoying,” he said.

“We feel that the industry was supposed to be located away from the residents.”

The difficult economic situation and the increase of the unemployment rate have seen some enterprising residents in Sakubva creating employment for their children and others by turning part of their homes into furniture factories.