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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 80488, member: 636"]
Lawmaker pushes for a new tax to help silicosis victims. Kwekwe Central MP Judith Tobaiwa called for a dedicated Silicosis levy to fund treatment and support affected families, comparing the crisis to the early days of the AIDS epidemic. She noted sixty-five patients in her constituency, with over twelve deaths this year. Most victims are breadwinners from artisanal mining, leaving families unable to pay school fees or work due to caregiving needs.

Tobaiwa stated the government should finance treatment and guarantee a steady oxygen supply, which is disrupted by power outages. She argued the problem spans multiple sectors, with patients lacking solar backups and hospitals needing portable oxygen tanks. She emphasized that artisanal mining is the only income source for many youths, leading to repeated family tragedies. The proposed levy would operate similarly to the existing AIDS levy, providing economic cushioning for vulnerable households.
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