Mining operations in the Boterekwa area of Midlands Province have inflicted severe damage to one of Zimbabwe’s most scenic and historically significant roads, jeopardizing the safety of motorists and travelers.
Chinese-owned companies, alongside local small-scale miners known as makorokoza, have come under fire for allegedly flouting environmental regulations by excavating beneath the road and blasting the nearby mountain range.
The situation has been exacerbated by trucks transporting heavy loads of gold ore and soil, as well as other unauthorized mining activities.
As a result, potholes and hazardous ditches have emerged, and images showcasing the road’s deteriorating condition have begun circulating on social media, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
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In reaction to the situation, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that repair work on the affected road would commence shortly. The ministry stated:
“Illegal mining activities are damaging our road infrastructure! Currently, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane Road in the Boterekwa area is impacted. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is working to repair the road by tomorrow. Let’s collaborate to preserve our roads and prevent accidents! Remain vigilant regarding illegal mining activities and report any incidents to the authorities.”
However, users on X expressed their frustration by attributing the blame to ZANU PF and Chinese miners for blatantly violating environmental regulations and contributing to the road’s decline.
A user known as The Last King of CHIVI remarked, “Let’s stop pretending we don’t know who is destroying our environment and now our roads. In China, they conserve every inch of their country. The way they’re damaging Boterekwa shows their disdain for us and our nation.”
Another user, Lancie Sekos, added, “This is a half-hearted and tepid statement. We all know who is causing this damage, but of course, you wouldn’t dare address that. Boterekwa as we knew it is no more. We have the Chinese (who would never engage in such practices in their own country for fear of severe repercussions) and ZANU thugs.”
Erikana Mbedzi commented, “That area is under the control of a Chinese company called Chengxi. Why aren’t you taking action against them for environmental degradation and infrastructure damage? Munovatyaka maChina. The only foreigners whose arrests require approval from Vene.”
