Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
THE City of Bulawayo has warned that poorly managed mining activities in dam catchment areas could threaten the city’s water security, calling for stronger environmental safeguards.
The warning was delivered by Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart in remarks read on his behalf by Councillor Perseverance Nyathi at the ZAMI 2026 side session on critical minerals, fiscal justice and public debt on Wednesday.
The mayor said mining activities around the Umzingwane catchment area had already raised concerns, stressing that the economic benefits of mining should not come at the expense of essential public infrastructure and social development.
“As the City of Bulawayo, we continue to call for environmental responsibility in the extractive industries.
“You might be aware that earlier this year, we engaged central Government over mining activities taking place within the dam catchment areas.
“Areas around the Umzingwane catchment area have been negatively impacted by both illegal and legal mining activities. While mining can be seen as a developmental tool, if not properly managed, its effects can go beyond mining and affect even social development.”
Cllr Coltart said the potential impact on water supplies demonstrated why environmental, social and governance considerations should form part of mining investment and development decisions.
“Imagine if the city’s dams can no longer receive water due to the negative effects of mining. How many lives would be affected not just in Bulawayo but in the surrounding areas?” he said.
“Therefore, as you gather to interrogate critical minerals, fiscal justice and public debt, I invite you to also think of how mining can impact our communities.”
The mayor also linked resource extraction to the broader debate around public debt and resource-backed financing, saying decisions taken today should not compromise future generations.
“Thus, we must promote transparency and responsible investment in the mining sector. Every dollar generated from our extractive resources should help us build stronger communities, modern infrastructure and opportunities for future generations.”
He said this required greater collaboration between mining companies, communities and Government to ensure mineral wealth translated into sustainable development.
He also called for stronger public participation in policy and mining-related consultations, saying low attendance could leave important decisions to a small group of participants.
“I invite the civil society organisations, among other stakeholders, to encourage stakeholders to participate in national policy-making decisions. The reality is that when we don’t participate in decision-making meetings, the few who attend will make decisions on our behalf.”
Cllr Coltart said extractive industries remained the backbone of the economy, but stressed that sustainable development required collective responsibility.
