Mines must also benefit locals- MP Nduna

Chegutu MP Dexter Nduna has demanded that the government must make sure that the areas where mines are situated must benefit from the exploits through development and employment of the locals.

Speaking in parliament, Nduna asked the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Fred Moyo as to what is government policy regarding the large scale miners – especially in areas like Mutoko or other mines dotted around the country?  

"The question is, when these miners have mined their ore, the area in which they are operating from should also benefit from the minerals which are
found in those areas.  The areas which they operate from should have good, as tarred roads," he asked. " We realise that they should also be
responsible for refurbishing and constructing good roads for the benefit of the community they operate from."

Moyo said government do not have a policy compelling miners to surface the roads in those areas where they operate from but the existing policy is
that miners are expected to look at the infrastructure in the areas in which they are operating from and this includes roads, dams and bridges
since they use these roads.  

"We have not set down the guidelines as to what extent these miners should refurbish, repair and construct this infrastructure.  This benefit is also
dependent on the profits and amounts through the mining in these areas.  We also look forward to a harmonious relationship between the community and the miners but the Government has no policy of forcing miners to tarn roads," he said.