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Harare Bureau
A NUMBER of local diamond cutters and polishers have closed shop because they are not accessing the gems from miners, a report by the Portfolio Committee of Mines and Energy has said. In terms of the diamond policy adopted by the Government last year, a quota of locally produced diamonds should be made available for beneficiation by local cutters and polishers. The main objective of the arrangement is to encourage a broader local participation in the sector.
But the Government had been reluctant to ensure a portion of locally produced gems are reserved for the locals.
“In a meeting with the association of local cutters and polishers, the committee noted with concern that Government was not very supportive in developing this sector,” the Parliamentary report said.
“This was evidenced by the vague policy by Government in terms of the quota and the quality of gems to be supplied to the local cutters and polishers.
“At the same time, some (diamond) local cutters and polishers lost their money to Government after paying licence fees without a corresponding duty of accessing the diamonds.
“The committee would like to implore Government to seriously consider the development of local cutters and polishers as this has the potential to create more wealth and employment for the economy.
“The country’s diamonds are being exported in raw form, creating more jobs and wealth for other countries. This is indeed a travesty of justice.”
Diamond cutters and polishers pay a licence fee of $50 000, that is renewed every year. This was also impeding the growth of the sector. The committee also noted with concern some of the diamond producers have plans to actively participate in the cutting and polishing industry.
Online Reporter