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Govt moves to crack down on riverbed mining in uMzingwane
17 hrs ago |
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The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has convened a high-level consultative meeting with key stakeholders to address the growing impact of illegal and destructive mining activities in the uMzingwane catchment area.
The meeting brought together Levi Mayihlome, Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Defence, alongside representatives from the City of Bulawayo, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and traditional leaders.
The engagement followed a letter from Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, raising alarm over the effects of riverbed mining in the catchment.
Addressing the meeting, Coltart said irresponsible mining activities were causing widespread environmental degradation, including the destruction of rivers and streams. He warned that such practices had reduced inflows into dams during the last rainy season and damaged critical municipal infrastructure such as pipelines and bridges.
He also raised concerns over the risk of chemical contamination in the city's water supply dams.
Mayihlome said the crisis extends beyond Bulawayo, affecting an estimated 70,000 people in the uMzingwane constituency. He added that traditional leaders, including Chief Sibasa from Insiza, had flagged the destruction of natural landscapes and cultural heritage sites due to mining.
In response, Garwe called for urgent enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, which bans riverbed mining. He directed the ZRP, EMA and the Ministry of Mines to act swiftly against offenders.
The minister also announced plans for an urgent inter-ministerial meeting involving the Ministries of Local Government, Home Affairs, Agriculture, Environment and Mines to develop coordinated solutions.
The measures are aimed at curbing illegal mining, protecting water sources, preserving the environment and safeguarding affected communities.
Garwe reaffirmed Government's commitment to ensuring environmental protection, livestock safety and access to clean and safe water.
The meeting brought together Levi Mayihlome, Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Defence, alongside representatives from the City of Bulawayo, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and traditional leaders.
The engagement followed a letter from Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, raising alarm over the effects of riverbed mining in the catchment.
Addressing the meeting, Coltart said irresponsible mining activities were causing widespread environmental degradation, including the destruction of rivers and streams. He warned that such practices had reduced inflows into dams during the last rainy season and damaged critical municipal infrastructure such as pipelines and bridges.
He also raised concerns over the risk of chemical contamination in the city's water supply dams.
Mayihlome said the crisis extends beyond Bulawayo, affecting an estimated 70,000 people in the uMzingwane constituency. He added that traditional leaders, including Chief Sibasa from Insiza, had flagged the destruction of natural landscapes and cultural heritage sites due to mining.
In response, Garwe called for urgent enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, which bans riverbed mining. He directed the ZRP, EMA and the Ministry of Mines to act swiftly against offenders.
The minister also announced plans for an urgent inter-ministerial meeting involving the Ministries of Local Government, Home Affairs, Agriculture, Environment and Mines to develop coordinated solutions.
The measures are aimed at curbing illegal mining, protecting water sources, preserving the environment and safeguarding affected communities.
Garwe reaffirmed Government's commitment to ensuring environmental protection, livestock safety and access to clean and safe water.
Source - Byo24News
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