Staff reporter
Government has imposed an immediate ban on all riverbed mining and desiltation activities, citing significant environmental damage and lack of benefits to the country.
The decision seeks to protect the nation's rivers and ecosystems from further degradation.
Speaking at the post cabinet briefing, Minister of information, publicity and broadcasting services, Dr Jenfan Muswerehighlighted the destructive impact of large-scale alluvial mining on Zimbabwe’s rivers since its introduction in 2011.
“The practice has caused severe pollution, siltation, and disruption to river ecosystems, leading the Government to act decisively.
“Illegal gold mining activities around key water supply dams have also exacerbated the problem, with miners digging into dried-up reservoirs, increasing the risk of siltation and contamination.
"Cabinet noted that large-scale alluvial mining has resulted in water pollution, degradation of river channels and disruption of riverine ecosystems. Riverbed mining has been banned with immediate effect,” Dr Muswere stated.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka noted that apart from individuals who are illegally doing river bed mining without even registering, there are those who register with the relevant departments but fail to live up to the expectations.
"We have noted three classes of mining companies those that apply legally and adhere, then those that apply but do something different, and then there are the illegal ones who just go to the river.
"In banning we need to ensure that courts mete out deterrent penalties and fines, we felt that the fines are not deterrent enough and the experience is that some of the companies saw it is better to pay a fine than rehabilitate. It was felt that this is tantamount to environmental theft,” said Dr Masuka.
Meanwhile, the cabinet also provided updates on other national developments, including the upcoming Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, which is set to begin next week.
This year's show, themed "Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing Our Future," will feature various agricultural sectors, including tobacco, cotton, and livestock. A total of 430 exhibitors have already registered, up from 410 last year.
Cabinet also discussed progress in relocating Matabeleland North Provincial Offices from Bulawayo to Lupane, an effort aimed at decentralizing administrative functions and improving governance in the region.
