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Daniel Chigunwe Herald Correspondent
Stakeholders from Mazowe District in Mashonaland Central province are joining hands in the fight against extreme land degradation as a result of extensive mining activities by artisanal miners through harnessing tree planting exercises.
The district, which is home to lucrative mining business due to its richness in mineral deposits is also embracing environment rehabilitation to address loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction that comes with mining activities.
This has seen a commendable move in the recent planting of 4 000 trees in the Mazowe ‘Jumbo’ Mine area. Mazowe District forestry officer, Mrs Emanuella Ratidzo Chebanga said more mining areas are targeted in line with the theme, “Trees and forestry for ecosystem restoration and improved livelihoods”.
“We are committed to see more areas in the district rehabilitated through the planting of trees. We have planted 4 000 in Metallon Gold Mine. We still have vast lands of about 20 hectares that still need attention as we target mining areas.
“Places like Rosa and Masasa mines are on our top-list for this exercise. We are prepared to work in partnership with the locals and relevant stakeholders in the district. We have a nursery of about 250 000 seedlings awaiting the fulfilment of this programme,” said Mrs Chebanga.
Jumbo area is famed for its rich gold belts that have breathed life to many artisanal miners, but with a cost to the environment that is depleted in the process.
One of Mazowe women in mining business and also Zanu PF provincial secretary for Environment and Tourism Mrs Ancillah Loice Chenjerai said she is ready to implement new found knowledge from her recent learning expedition in India.
“As a province rich in minerals, we must apply new methods of mining that are eco-friendly bearing in mind that climate change issues are a reality. During my recent sabbatical stay in Pune city of India, I learnt a lot on mining and tree planting activities that I feel obliged to implement through my portfolio.
“Mining activities are sustaining livelihoods of many women like me in this province. We must adhere to measures of sustainability through afforestation for continued success of the province in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030,” said Mrs Chenjerai.
Among stakeholders commended for supporting this exercise are traditional leaders who are custodians of the sacred underground treasures of the land.
“Our programmes are receiving great support from our surrounding leaders who include Chiefs Negomo and Chiweshe.
“Through their guidance, we are sure that our people will heed and practice the call to rehabilitate the environment,” added Cde Rodrick Nyikadzino, who is the District Coordinating Committee (DCC) secretary for Environment and Tourism.
Online Reporter