Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
BULAWAYO Mining Company – How Mine (Namib Minerals) has announced plans to relocate and rebury 24 graves within its mining claims to facilitate the expansion of its operations.
The graves are set to be relocated to Doyana Village in Umzingwane.
The company said the process was being undertaken in accordance with the country’s legal requirements governing the relocation and reburial of human remains.
“Notice is hereby given by Bulawayo Mining Company-How Mine (Namib Minerals), in accordance with the Cemeteries Act (Chapter 5:04), of its intention to relocate /rebury 24 graves situated within the How Mine Claims to Doyana Village, Umzingwane, to facilitate the expansion of mining activities,” the company said.
The public notice allows interested parties to raise concerns or objections before the relocation exercise is undertaken.
“Any persons with concerns, objections or representations regarding the proposed relocation and reburial of the graves is invited to contact the Human Resources Manager,” the company said.
The notice is part of the standard procedure followed by mining companies and other developers when graves or burial sites are located within areas earmarked for development.
Such notices allow affected families, relatives and members of the public to make representations and raise any concerns regarding the proposed relocation and reburial process.
The public notice also provides an avenue for stakeholders with information about the graves to come forward before the relocation exercise proceeds.
The Cemeteries Act provides the legal framework under which the relocation and reburial of graves is undertaken, requiring developers to follow prescribed procedures before disturbing burial sites.
The company did not indicate in the notice the proposed date for the relocation and reburial exercise.
