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YOUTH, Arts, Sport and Recreation Deputy Minister, Tino Machakaire, has urged youths to desist from illegal mining and indulging in criminal activities.
He was speaking as guest of honour at the Mashonaland West Province Youth Interface meeting held on Saturday at Kutama.
Machakaire, who is moving from province to province to address issues affecting the youths, is mainly targeting places which have been regarded as peripheral in the past.
“We have youths who are venturing into mining. They need help from the Ministry of Mines.
“They should be all helped to register through their office.
“We have to do away with illegal mining and be regularised through the Office of Mines.
“Their doors are open for everyone to be assisted. The good thing is they are here and they are agreeing to what we are saying.
“We have to do away with criminal activities. Thieving is not an option, let’s all stop that and let’s regularise all our work.”
He added:
“Those who want to do farming I also understand that there is already a programme that is regularising that, let’s utilise that and engage your leadership here no one should be left behind.
“As youths our wishes are the same.
“We have to unite, stand by each other and support each other.
“And, all those who are into drugs, let’s stop drug and substance abuse.
“Let’s report all who are involved in drugs to the police.
“We are also going into elections and the Government once again is saying everyone should desist from violence.”
Ministry of Mines official, Charles Tawha, said they have offices in every province.
“As a country, we are blessed with so many minerals that can help us economically.
“As a Ministry, we help people with prospecting licences, certifying inspectors, and making sure everything is going well.
“We have our offices in every province for those who want to be assisted or work with us,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter