Government has stepped up efforts to address the environmental damage caused by illegal riverbed mining in the uMzingwane Catchment, with stakeholders agreeing on urgent enforcement of environmental laws to protect water sources and infrastructure.
This follows a consultative meeting convened in Bulawayo, yesterday, by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, bringing together representatives from key Government ministries, security agencies, local authorities, and traditional leaders.
The meeting was prompted by concerns raised by the Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart, who warned of the escalating impact of uncontrolled mining activities within the city’s water catchment areas.
Addressing the meeting, Mayor Coltart said the situation had reached alarming levels, affecting both the environment and critical infrastructure.
“Such activities have led to the destruction of rivers and streams. They have also hindered inflows into our dams during the last rainy season. We are also witnessing damage to municipal infrastructure such as pipelines and bridges, as well as the risk of chemical spills into our water supply dams,” he said.
He said urgent intervention was required to safeguard the city’s water security and protect public infrastructure.
Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier General (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome, said the problem extended beyond Bulawayo to surrounding communities in the uMzingwane Constituency, where an estimated 70 000 people are affected.
He said the environmental degradation was also eroding cultural heritage sites.
“Mining is destroying the environment as well as local mountains, affecting the history and culture of the area,” he said, adding that concerns had also been raised by traditional leaders including Chief Sibasa of Insiza.
Officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Environmental Management Agency, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police acknowledged the need for stronger enforcement of existing regulations.
Minister Garwe said there was need for immediate and coordinated enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, which bans riverbed mining.
“There is need for the Zimbabwe Republic Police, EMA and the Ministry of Mines to urgently enforce SI 188 of 2024 banning riverbed mining,” he said.
He announced that an inter-ministerial task force would be convened involving the Ministries of Local Government, Home Affairs, Agriculture, Environment, and Mines to develop lasting solutions.
The Minister said Government remained committed to environmental protection and safeguarding water resources.
“Government is committed to ensuring environmental protection, livestock safety and access to clean and safe water for all communities,” he said.
Stakeholders agreed that a coordinated approach was necessary to balance economic activity with environmental sustainability in affected areas.
