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Hwange villagers lose livestock to water poisoning
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Villagers in Hwange, Matabeleland North province, have reportedly lost livestock to water poisoning linked to pollution of Kalope Dam, allegedly caused by mining operations in the area.
The matter came under the spotlight in Parliament last week after Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda raised concerns over the impact of South Mine's activities upstream of the dam.
Bonda told the House that contaminated water was being discharged directly into local rivers without purification, resulting in deaths of cattle and health risks to humans and goats.
"If our cattle drink that water, because of sulphur, they are dying. Humans and goats are also being affected," Bonda said.
He further noted growing tensions as another mining company was also drawing water from Kalope Dam, sparking clashes with villagers over access to the already strained resource.
Responding to the concerns, Mines and Mining Development deputy minister Polite Kambamura said his ministry would work with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to carry out tests on the dam and Deka River.
"Penalties will be given, definitely, if ever there are any activities that are found illegal. We will make sure that we come on the ground together with EMA, do some test works on the water that is being discharged into Kalope Dam and Deka River so that there will be a licensing solution and our livestock and our people will be saved," he said.
Kambamura added that mining companies should drill boreholes for communities, construct dedicated dams for industrial use, and recycle water to avoid competing with villagers.
He also pointed to the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, which introduces stricter requirements for corporate social responsibility and environmental safeguards.
"These are the physical structures and operational practices designed to stop silt and contaminants at the source, such as surface runoff control and water diversion trenches," he said.
The issue has heightened tensions in Hwange, where villagers say mining operations continue to threaten both livelihoods and the environment.
The matter came under the spotlight in Parliament last week after Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda raised concerns over the impact of South Mine's activities upstream of the dam.
Bonda told the House that contaminated water was being discharged directly into local rivers without purification, resulting in deaths of cattle and health risks to humans and goats.
"If our cattle drink that water, because of sulphur, they are dying. Humans and goats are also being affected," Bonda said.
He further noted growing tensions as another mining company was also drawing water from Kalope Dam, sparking clashes with villagers over access to the already strained resource.
Responding to the concerns, Mines and Mining Development deputy minister Polite Kambamura said his ministry would work with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to carry out tests on the dam and Deka River.
"Penalties will be given, definitely, if ever there are any activities that are found illegal. We will make sure that we come on the ground together with EMA, do some test works on the water that is being discharged into Kalope Dam and Deka River so that there will be a licensing solution and our livestock and our people will be saved," he said.
Kambamura added that mining companies should drill boreholes for communities, construct dedicated dams for industrial use, and recycle water to avoid competing with villagers.
He also pointed to the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, which introduces stricter requirements for corporate social responsibility and environmental safeguards.
"These are the physical structures and operational practices designed to stop silt and contaminants at the source, such as surface runoff control and water diversion trenches," he said.
The issue has heightened tensions in Hwange, where villagers say mining operations continue to threaten both livelihoods and the environment.
Source - Southern Eye
