Battle to save Kwekwe from ravages of mining

THE Kwekwe city centre finds itself on the precipice of disaster as the Government contemplates closing down mines that have wreaked havoc on the town’s infrastructure and environment. Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Larry Mavima, recently visited a collapsed house that had plunged into an underground mining tunnel, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Rusike family, whose home tragically succumbed to an explosion from a nearby mine, miraculously escaped with their lives. Their harrowing experience is not an isolated incident. Just a few months ago, Globe and Phoenix Primary School was forced to shut down after a classroom collapsed into yet another underground mining shaft, leaving scores of people injured.

Prompted by these alarming events, President Mnangagwa ordered a comprehensive geo-survey to assess the extent of the damage caused by these rampant mining activities. Unfortunately, the results are still pending. Meanwhile, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has condemned a Government complex in the vicinity, deeming it unsafe and necessitating an immediate evacuation.

Minister Mavima expressed deep concern over the situation and stressed that if mining activities persist, the Government will have no choice but to shut down the mines in the area. He said the Joint Operation Committee (JOC) was in the process of compiling a report.

“The future is uncertain for the people in this area hence the report will clearly show the impact of the mining activities here and the only option will be to close down the mines.

“The level of destruction is very worrisome. Even if people want money, they should look for legal and better ways of making money. We have a serious situation in this town; not only are these houses facing collapse but even surrounding buildings may collapse. This is a disaster,” said Minister Mavima.

Kwekwe finds itself under siege from this relentless onslaught of mining activities, leaving both infrastructure and the environment in ruins.

The extent of the destruction is alarming, with the imminent collapse of not only residential buildings but also surrounding structures. Minister Mavima labelled the situation a disaster, urging individuals to seek legal and sustainable means of earning a livelihood, rather than resorting to dangerous and damaging practices.

Speaking on behalf of her family, Kimberly Rusike recounted their fortunate escape from the collapsing house. Sensing the ominous sounds emanating from mining activities beneath their home, they made a difficult decision to abandon the property in August last year. However, even in their absence, challenges persisted, with thieves targeting their unoccupied house. Thankfully, caretakers were present and narrowly escaped the catastrophe.

“We decided to look for alternative accommodation after hearing some sounds coming from underneath the house and left. But there were challenges with thieves so we looked for some people who took care of our property after we left. Those are the people who almost died,” said Rusike.

A tremendous blast from the neighbouring mines ultimately sealed the fate of the Rusike family’s home. Irreparable damage was inflicted upon their property, with the chimney vanishing into the seemingly bottomless depths of the tunnel. Rusike admitted to the unknown depths of the tunnel but described it as a haunting sight.

Having resided in the house for 23 years, the Rusike family now finds itself in dire straits. Their plea for assistance reverberates through the community, as they face homelessness and uncertainty. While a generous benefactor has provided temporary accommodation, they yearn for a more permanent solution, no longer wanting to rely on the goodwill of others.

“We’re in trouble as a family. We have nowhere to go and we’re requesting any stakeholders who can assist to come to our rescue because we have nowhere to go. We were given temporary accommodation by a well-wisher but obviously we can’t continue relying on someone’s property,” she said.

As Kwekwe teeters on the brink, the clock is ticking. The Government’s decision to potentially close down the mines stands as a pivotal turning point for the town. It is a race against time to save Kwekwe from further destruction and secure the livelihoods of its residents.