Chronicle Editor
Sione Amidu, Gwanda Correspondent
THE Government is contemplating closing a section of the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway which has come under threat as a tunnel has been dug under the road by illegal miners.
The tunnel which is at the Dubane area in Gwanda District along the highway is creating a crack on the road.
Illegal gold panners who have become a menace recently destroyed critical infrastructure in Gwanda that include the Kip-Keino Children’s Home, railway line and electricity pylons.
Travellers have raised concern over the irresponsible behaviour by the illegal miners and called for a multi-sectorial approach to take action to protect critical infrastructure.
Due to the destruction, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Matabeleland South Provincial Roads Engineer, Engineer Mangisi Nkomo in a message sent to the provincial development coordinating committee group, said they were monitoring the situation and if it gets worse they would close the highway.
Responding to the same issue, Matabeleland South Acting Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Raymond Ncube, said all responsible Government stakeholders were working hand-in-hand trying to come up with a permanent solution regarding the tunnelled Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway.
“The issue of the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway which was dug and tunnelled by the illegal gold panners is well known and being looked into. We have asked all the stakeholders for a meeting through the Minister of State who is going to make sure that there is a permanent solution.
“As we speak the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development visited the place and tried to fill up some of the places that have been dug but we want a comprehensive solution on how this menace can be dealt with once and for all,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development was also trying to assess and determine the extent of the damage so that they can have a lasting solution, while there was a need for security systems on that particular road.
Matabeleland South Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) chairman Mr Philemon Mokoele called for all responsible stakeholders to come together in putting an end to the problem.
“The Government is on a development pathway and other people are busy destroying the same infrastructure. It is high time that all the stakeholders including the police come together and come up with programmes that will ensure that small-scale miners value infrastructure development,” he said.
“As ZMF chairman in this province, I am not happy about what is happening on this road. This really affects the economy because this is a major road.
“This is worrying me and we are going to ensure we train and consientise small-scale miners on protecting infrastructure and the environment. It is our duty as the small-scale miners to monitor and safeguard jealously our infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Mokoele also encouraged small-scale miners to take mining as a business instead of a mere practice as it builds the economy, while mining contributes significantly to the country’s revenue.
A Dubane resident, Mr Mica Mzezewu said the responsible authorities should take action to protect the critical infrastructure.
“Illegal miners have tunnelled across the highway leading to the cracks that are being witnessed across the highway. This has been happening for over five years, everyone was watching while the illegal miners were digging this place and nothing was being done, we cannot watch people destroy our road because it is for everyone.”
A motorist, Mr Similar Mlilo said they were worried and concerned with the irresponsible behaviour being exhibited by the gold panners.
“As motorists, we travel on the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway and we are very concerned with this reckless behaviour by these gold panners. This is one of the country’s biggest highways as it connects people from South Africa to Bulawayo and tourists to Victoria Falls,” he said.
“The Government is busy with infrastructure development, the Masvingo Highway is under construction and we are busy destroying our own road threatening human life and infrastructure. This is really a cause for concern as accidents can occur anytime.”
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu