Gutu rural council unhappy with firm

been constructing permanent structures such as administration offices and a plant in the Devuli Ranch where the company discovered kimberlite.

Bikita RDC yesterday expressed concern over the actions by the company saying it was illegal for Nan Jiang Africa Resources to proceed and build structures without council approval.

Bikita RDC chief executive Mr Johnson Mpamhadzi said they had fined Nan Jiang Africa Resources US$40 000 to have its structures regularised. He said the firm had paid US$35 000 so far and was dragging its feet in paying the US$5 000 balance.

“We are not happy at all with this company (Nan Jiang Africa Resources) because they just emerged and started building permanent structures like offices and plant equipment in our area without first seeking approval.

“Our council summoned them and ordered them to pay US$40 000 fine for their structures to be regularised and they paid part of the money ($35 000) but they have been dragging their feet in paying the balance,’’ he said.

Mr Mpamhadzi said his council would take legal action against Nan Jiang Africa Resources if the firm continued to delay payment of the fine.

He said the firm started operations at Devuli Ranch without seeking a licence from his council saying the company had not yet applied for a licence to date. Mr Mpamhadzi, however, welcomed the discovery of diamonds in Devuli Ranch saying the local community in Budzi communal lands and the neighbouring Chamutsa community in Buhera would accrue immense benefits from the mine.