Residents of Gwanda in Matabeleland South are expressing grave concerns over the negative impacts of rising artisanal mining activities, which have led to environmental degradation, livestock de_ths, and hindered urban expansion.
Key areas like Spitzkop and Bina are facing severe consequences from abandoned mining pits, prompting Mayor Thulani Moyo to accuse the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of corruption and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) of neglect.
Moyo highlighted the council’s frustrations, stating that despite providing layout plans for coordinated development, mining claims are often staked without proper notification to the local authorities, disrupting planned residential projects.
With around 2,300 residential stands intended for development, the current disruptions have reduced the feasible projects to fewer than 1,000, exacerbating the housing shortfall.
Additionally, artisanal miners are impeding municipal efforts to establish playgrounds and recreational parks, creating unsafe living conditions for residents.
The mayor pointed out that illegal blasting activities are occurring beneath homes, resulting in property damage, including to structures built under Operation Garikai.
He noted a breach of mining laws that stipulate a minimum distance of 100 meters from residential areas.
In response, Decent Ndlovu, the EMA provincial manager, confirmed the filing of reports with law enforcement and emphasized the need for tighter regulations on gold detectors, acknowledging that the lack of legal frameworks for these devices exacerbates the problem.
He underscored the severe environmental damage and the resulting economic strain on local livelihoods due to livestock losses.
Ndlovu urged miners to operate legally and adhere to environmental standards to mitigate these ongoing challenges.
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