Luen Phiri
The fight to stop mining activities on the hill which carries City of Masvingo’s water reservoirs continues albeit with no success so far, with reports emerging that the mining involves powerful political individuals.
In 2020, the Masvingo United Residents Alliance (Murra), through their lawyers Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, petitioned Masvingo City Council to stop the mining, but the petition has seemingly been ignored despite earlier indications that council withdrew the development permits for mining syndicates working at the kopje.
In the past, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son Collins was reported to be involved, but it is no longer clear if he is involved following the purported withdrawal of the development permits.
Recently, Masvingo Urban Member of Parliament (MP) Martin Mureri also wrote to the council, and it remains to be seen whether or not lasting action will finally be taken.
Residents that spoke to EnviroPress complained that blasting in the mining areas causes vibrations that affect houses in Target Kopje and Hillside Extension. They expressed fear that the city’s water storage tanks (pictured) could be affected too.
Clement Berejena, a local resident, said the blasting had shaken the house he was building.
“I am building my house and the blasting has caused some cracks on the unfinished structure. I am worried this might get worse in the future. You need a stable ground to build a solid structure,” said Berejena.
Another resident said the miners working on the hill were rowdy, and they promoted vulgarity by loudly using crude language even in public spaces.
“We raised our concerns over this two years ago but nothing has been done. We have lost all hope because the mines are said to be controlled by the powerful individuals,” said the resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ward 6 Councillor Wilstaff Sitemere acknowledged complaints by residents in the ward.
“Residents have in the past prepared a petition demanding an end to the mining. I will continue to highlight the issue in council,” said Sitemere.
In his own petition, Mureri says the ‘illegal’ mining activities threatened the structural integrity of the tanks.
“The underground mining operations in the vicinity of the water tanks raise significant concerns about the structural integrity of the tanks. The vibrations and disturbances caused by the mining activities could potentially damage the tanks, leading to a catastrophic failure and the release of large volumes of water,” reads part of the letter.
“This scenario could result in devastating floods, causing immense damage to surrounding properties and, most importantly, posing a severe threat to the lives of the people living in the affected areas.
“It is imperative that the mining activities at Target Kopje be thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures be taken to ensure the safety and protection of our community,” the letter further reads.
Masvingo Provincial Mining Director, Marshal Muzira refused to provide a comment, saying he was not authorized to do so.
