Miners still to reclaim pits

Midlands Bureau
Chiefs Mapanzure and Nhema of Shurugwi have raised concern over the delay in the reclamation of gullies by chrome miners.

Government through the office of the Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) ordered chrome mining activities to stop along the Gweru-Zvishavane Highway about three months ago.

The mining activities have left a trial of destruction due to open pits left on road verges.

Chief Mapanzure said with the rainy season approaching, the open pits were posing serious danger to the community and livestock.

“Every year, we have a challenge, our livestock die in those unclaimed pits.

“Even human lives have been lost, we have a number of children who have drowned in chrome mine pits filled with water.

“We heaved a sigh of relief when the Government stopped these activities, but our worry now is that we are getting into wet season and if these open pits remain unclaimed, they become even very dangerous,” he said.

Chief Nhema concurred with his counterpart saying the open pits were becoming death traps.