Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has called for sustainable mining practices, infrastructure development and stronger community investment amid concerns over environmental degradation and damage to roads caused by mining operations in the province.
Speaking during a recent stakeholder engagement meeting at Gwanda Lithium Mine, Minister Nguluvhe said mining investments should deliver lasting benefits for both investors and host communities.
The visit was aimed at assessing Gwanda Lithium Mine’s working relationship with surrounding communities and Government institutions. It also sought to review the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and evaluate its efforts towards mineral value addition and beneficiation.
Among the key concerns raised during the engagement were the deteriorating condition of roads used by heavy trucks transporting lithium ore, the impact of dust on nearby communities and the challenges faced by health services due to poor road conditions.
Stakeholders noted that damaged roads were affecting the transportation of patients from local clinics to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, while prolonged dust exposure was posing health risks to villagers living along the transport routes.
“The purpose of this engagement is to ensure that there is co-existence between you the investors and the community so that at the end both parties benefit. Yes, Zimbabwe is open for business but most important of all, regulations must be followed. We appreciate the investment being made in our province. At the same time, there must be harmonious coexistence between the investor and the community. As a company, you will leave a legacy here in Gwanda.
“After you have long gone from this place, the question that will remain is what you would have done to develop or help this community. Will you leave a school, clinic, roads or will you just bring harm and damage? We need you to adhere to regulations governing your operations,” said the minister.
He urged the company to comply with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements while strengthening its corporate social responsibility programmes.
Minister Nguluvhe said while Government had created a conducive environment for investment, companies also had a responsibility to contribute to community development through meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
He said Government’s development agenda seeks to ensure that the country’s natural resources contribute directly to improving livelihoods and driving socio-economic development in the province.
The minister urged investors to work closely with local authorities, Government departments, traditional leaders and communities to achieve sustainable development goals.
“Mining investments must go beyond extraction by supporting value addition and beneficiation, infrastructure development, environmental protection and tangible improvements in the livelihoods of host communities,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said there was an urgent need for the mining company to implement measures to address road degradation and dust pollution, which were negatively affecting communities, businesses, motorists and other road users.
Matabeleland South provincial roads engineer Mr Mangisi Nkomo said approximately 157 kilometres of road infrastructure between Gwanda and Sandawana had been affected by the increased movement of heavy trucks.
“We conducted a scoping exercise of the road network to assess the level of damage. Different sections of the road require different rehabilitation interventions such as reconstruction, regravelling and resealing. Different sections of the affected road network will require different interventions.
“Some sections have exceeded their design lifespan and are developing depressions and other structural defects. There is a need for reconstruction and improving the standard of the road so that it can support heavy loads,” he said.
Gwanda Lithium Mine public relations manager Mr Nickson Kutsaranga said the company had already introduced several short-term measures to reduce dust, including regular water sprinkling and road grading.
He said the mine was also committed to supporting longer-term road rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with the relevant authorities, including the progressive upgrading of affected earth roads to gravel and eventually more durable road surfaces.
Mr Kutsaranga said the company was implementing a number of corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the rehabilitation of schools, clinics and Government institutions, the creation of employment and skills development opportunities for local residents, investment in community water infrastructure and procurement from local businesses.
“As a mine, we are prepared to play our part to ensure that the problem of the damaged road is solved. Under corporate social responsibility, we have recently supported three solar-powered boreholes in Vela, Mandihongola and Tshongwe villages, which have helped to improve water supply in the communities that were facing serious water challenges,” he said.
“We continue to work with various regulatory authorities like the Environmental Management Agency and Fidelity Printers.”
— @DubeMatutu
