News / National
Boterekwa now has gaping holes, and ditches on main road
05 Dec 2024 at 17:12hrs | Views
The iconic Boterekwa area, renowned for its breathtaking scenery in Zimbabwe's Shurugwi region, has become a hazard for motorists due to rampant mining activities. Holes and ditches are now visible along the Shurugwi-Zvishavane road, prompting government intervention to address the deteriorating infrastructure.
Over the past decade, small-scale miners, known locally as makorokoza, and Chinese-owned companies have moved into the area, which had previously retained much of its natural beauty. Heavy trucks carrying gold ore and soil, combined with illegal mining, have damaged the landscape and infrastructure.
This week, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development acknowledged the situation and pledged swift action.
"Illegal mining activities are causing damage to our road infrastructure! Currently, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane Road (Boterekwa area) is affected. The Ministry is working to repair the road by tomorrow," the ministry posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The statement sparked a backlash on social media, with users accusing the ruling Zanu PF party and Chinese miners of being the primary culprits.
"Half-hearted, tepid statement. We all know who is causing this damage to the roads but of course you would not dare touch on that," wrote one user, Lancie Sekos.
Another user lamented the loss of the once-pristine area:
"Boterekwa as we knew it is no more. We have Zanu PF thugs and the Chinese (who would never do this in their own country lest they face the firing squad)."
The Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road has faced significant deterioration over the past decade due to mining activities. Entire sections have collapsed, and trenches dug for mining operations have destabilized the land. In one instance, a two-roomed house fell into a mining trench.
The degradation threatens the survival of the Boterekwa area, known for its lush mountains and valleys, which have been integral to both local tourism and regional pride.
While the government has committed to repairing the road, critics argue that addressing infrastructure damage is only part of the solution. Calls are mounting for stricter regulations on mining activities, particularly those involving foreign companies, to prevent further environmental and infrastructural damage.
The future of Boterekwa now hinges on whether authorities will tackle the root causes of the destruction or continue with short-term fixes. For now, the once-majestic area stands as a stark example of the conflict between economic exploitation and environmental conservation.
Over the past decade, small-scale miners, known locally as makorokoza, and Chinese-owned companies have moved into the area, which had previously retained much of its natural beauty. Heavy trucks carrying gold ore and soil, combined with illegal mining, have damaged the landscape and infrastructure.
This week, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development acknowledged the situation and pledged swift action.
"Illegal mining activities are causing damage to our road infrastructure! Currently, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane Road (Boterekwa area) is affected. The Ministry is working to repair the road by tomorrow," the ministry posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The statement sparked a backlash on social media, with users accusing the ruling Zanu PF party and Chinese miners of being the primary culprits.
"Half-hearted, tepid statement. We all know who is causing this damage to the roads but of course you would not dare touch on that," wrote one user, Lancie Sekos.
"Boterekwa as we knew it is no more. We have Zanu PF thugs and the Chinese (who would never do this in their own country lest they face the firing squad)."
#MidlandsProvince
— Ministry of Transport - Zimbabwe (@MinistryofTID) December 4, 2024
Illegal mining activities are causing damage to our road infrastructure!
Currently, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane Road (Boterekwa area) is affected. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is working to repair the road by tomorrow.#PreserveOurRoads pic.twitter.com/DSZ1KH8qC1
The Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road has faced significant deterioration over the past decade due to mining activities. Entire sections have collapsed, and trenches dug for mining operations have destabilized the land. In one instance, a two-roomed house fell into a mining trench.
The degradation threatens the survival of the Boterekwa area, known for its lush mountains and valleys, which have been integral to both local tourism and regional pride.
While the government has committed to repairing the road, critics argue that addressing infrastructure damage is only part of the solution. Calls are mounting for stricter regulations on mining activities, particularly those involving foreign companies, to prevent further environmental and infrastructural damage.
The future of Boterekwa now hinges on whether authorities will tackle the root causes of the destruction or continue with short-term fixes. For now, the once-majestic area stands as a stark example of the conflict between economic exploitation and environmental conservation.
Source - newzimbabwe
