Gold mining pollutes Bulawayo's water sources

Illegal gold miners operating along the banks of dams supplying Bulawayo are worsening water pollution by releasing mercury and other toxic chemicals, city officials have warned.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart raised the alarm while addressing delegates at the ongoing Trade Effluent and Water Recycling Indaba, which is being held under the theme "Innovation for a Responsible Industry, Cleaner Environment and Water Security in Zimbabwe." The indaba aims to encourage industries to comply with regulations governing waste management and water protection.

According to the city council, at least 50 percent of industries in Bulawayo fail to comply with municipal by-laws on effluent management. Mayor Coltart highlighted that unregulated riverbank gold mining near dams is compounding the city's water challenges.

"We have illegal gold miners depositing mercury and other harmful chemicals into water bodies and catchment areas," he said. "So aside from the water shortages, we face an existential threat from chemicals being discharged into our water sources. Government has said riverbank mining should stop, but no effective measures are being taken to halt the practice."

Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube added that the discharge of untreated industrial effluent is also damaging the city's sewer infrastructure. Untreated effluent destroys the micro-organisms that help naturally treat sewage, making compliance with effluent standards critical.

"The issue at hand is to ensure that effluent discharged from industries is treated and meets the standards required for our sewer system," he said. "Compliance will not only protect residents and stakeholders, but also safeguard the industries themselves, as they need to operate in an environment that is sustainable and conducive."

Council officials warned that without stronger enforcement, both illegal mining and industrial pollution could pose a long-term threat to Bulawayo's water security and public health.