Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, [email protected]
A GROUP of miners operating under the name Magamba Mine Syndicate are challenging the construction of new Globe and Phoenix Primary School, arguing that the site of the new school is within their mining block.
After its closure at its original site following land degradation which caused collapse of buildings, the school was offered a new site by Kuvimba Mining House which took over operations at Homestake.
Globe and Phoenix Primary School was abandoned after a classroom block caved in, injuring scores of learners.
The school, which is temporarily camped at Sally Mugabe Primary School grounds, recently had its tents blown away by strong winds which characterised the weather patterns during the better part of last week.
President Mnangagwa recently said the construction of the school should be fast-tracked to allow a decent learning environment for the affected children.
Magamba Mining Syndicate have since written to the Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Mr Fortune Mpungu claiming the land is theirs and they want the construction of the new school to be stopped.
Mr Mpungu who also chairs the District Civil Protection Committee confirmed receiving the letter.
“I confirm receiving the letter, but we are set to meet as a committee together with the concerned parties including Magamba Mine representatives and Kuvimba Mining company so that we can come up with a way forward. We will be able to comment further after the meeting,” he said.
In a letter in possession of Chronicle jointly signed by Ezabela Kurasha (chairperson) and George Kurasha as treasurer, Magamba Mining Syndicate claim that Alfa G7191 is a mining block allocated to them in 2018 by Government.
“We of Magamba Mining Syndicate do hereby object to the construction of the primary school on Mining Block ALFA G7191 since it is a mining block which was allocated to us in 2018 for mining purposes. We, as war veterans, were empowered by Government and the space they are taking from us will be required for dumping and building of our mining offices,” read part of the letter.
The letter also claims Magamba Mining Syndicate has the necessary documents warranting authorities to stop the construction of the school.
“The school will be affected by mining operations because it will also be near our mine. We also followed the correct procedures to acquire our mine and we are adhering to all mining regulations as stated by Government,” read the letter.
“We believe there are some certain individuals who have shown interest in or are jealous (sic) of our mining operations.”
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