Staff Reporter
In a decisive move to protect its natural resources, the Government has halted illegal alluvial gold mining activities along the Mazowe River. A District Assessment team, comprising representatives from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the District Development Coordinator's Office (DDC), Joint Operations Command (JOC), Forestry, and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), conducted a site visit on October 23. Their findings have underscored the urgent need for the government's ban on such mining operations.
The team discovered extensive damage to the river ecosystem, prompting immediate enforcement actions against several companies. Four firms, including two owned by foreign nationals, were ordered to cease operations. Heavy machinery, including motorized excavators and washing plants, has since been removed from the riverbed.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, confirmed these actions on X, emphasizing that the government's commitment to environmental protection is unwavering.
“These operations are crucial for restoring the integrity of Zimbabwe's natural resources. In Ward 7, two Chinese companies, Jiayun Investment and Ying Can Pvt Ltd, were ticketed and promptly vacated around four hectares of the riverbed. Similarly, in Kapondoro Village in Ward 6, Mugodhi Investment was cited by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and ordered to cease its operations, affecting an additional six hectares,” he said.
Local community members have expressed relief and gratitude for the government's actions.
A resident of Ward 6, Tinashe Chigumbura, expressed relief following the government's decisive action against illegal mining activities in the area.
“We have been worried about the damage these mining activities were causing to our river. This decision gives us hope that our environment can be restored,” Chigumbura emphasized.
Another resident of Ward 7, Sarah Tembo, echoed similar sentiments, praising the swift intervention by the authorities in tackling illegal mining activities.
“The government's quick action has brought a sense of relief to our community. We were starting to lose hope as we watched our natural resources being destroyed and we are hopeful that moving forward, sustainable practices will be adopted, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier, more resilient environment,”Tembo remarked.
The Mazowe River has historically been a crucial resource for local communities, providing water for drinking and irrigation. However, illegal mining has led to significant ecological degradation, affecting both biodiversity and the livelihoods of residents.
In response, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, along with engineers from RIDA, ZINWA, and the Zvataida Rural District Council, is developing a rehabilitation program for the Mazowe River. This initiative aims to restore the ecological balance disrupted by mining activities and ensure the river's health for future generations.
As rehabilitation efforts begin, officials emphasize the importance of ongoing community engagement to prevent future illegal mining and promote sustainable environmental practices. The government’s recent actions mark a pivotal step in protecting the Mazowe River and ensuring its viability for the communities that depend on it.
