Super diamond firm to benefit Zimbabwe

Amalgamating diamond mining companies in Chiadzwa will benefit thousands of villagers in the district, Mutare West National Assembly representative Dr Christopher Mushohwe said on Friday.

Government has a 50 percent stake in the five diamond miners firms operating there.

The miners were supposed to contribute US$10 million each to the Zimunya-Marange Community Share Ownership Scheme to finance development projects, but none did.

At a no-holds-barred meeting in Chiadzwa, Dr Mushohwe — who is Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister — commended Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa for restoring sanity to the sector.

Village heads and officials from diamond mining companies, the Mines and Mining Development Ministry and Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation attended the meeting.

Dr Mushohwe said, "We are aware some people are still residing in this area because they have not been relocated. These people are now left without farming or grazing land. Some of them had their houses damaged because of the rock blasting done during mining activities.

"They are leading a miserable life, yet the companies operating here are paying a deaf ear to their plight. It is sad that this is going on after Anjin Investments, one of the companies here, handed over a US$1.5 million dummy cheque to the Head of State."

He continued: "They lied to the President and it is now four years down the line; no money has been given to the Zimunya-Marange Community Share Ownership Scheme.

"We are now saying the consolidation of mines will help in terms of accountability. It was quite cumbersome for Government to monitor all activities in Chiadzwa as the companies were playing hide-and-seek. Now that we are going to be in control, as Government, we will ensure the people of Marange benefit from these God-given gems.

"In fact, there are 6 800 hectares reserved for the people of Marange as a mining concession that we hope will also be taken note of in the transition to consolidating mining companies. The good thing is that ZMDC actually noted that on their map and I was made to understand the area has not yet been mined.

"I have no doubt that this will see us benefit as locals. This is one of many measures that have been taken by Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa. He has done a wonderful job since he took over that ministry given that it was actually in shambles."

Dr Mushohwe also said: "It is painful that wherever we travel, we see cities that have benefited from resources mined in that particular area, but the same cannot be said about this area. The city called Jo'burg was built from the proceeds of diamond mining in the area.

"Back here in Zimbabwe, you go to areas that are being (mined) by Mimosa or Zimplats, you can see real development coming from the companies operating there. Why do the rules have to change when it comes to Marange? That is unacceptable."

ZMDC board chair Mr David Murangari said, "I am actually shocked by the state of affairs here. There is virtually nothing to show for the diamonds that the whole world was made to know were being mined here.

''Not even the roads, nothing. It is shocking, to say the least."