Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT is strengthening the enforcement of the “Polluter Pays Principle” to ensure perpetrators of environmental degradation in the mining sector take full responsibility for rehabilitating affected ecosystems.
Addressing the media after this week’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the principle will be reinforced through the development of new regulations and improvements to the existing legal framework.
“The enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024 is ongoing, with most provinces reporting significant progress in operations to eliminate alluvial mining,” said Dr Muswere.
“Since alluvial mining has largely ceased, attention has now shifted to the rehabilitation of degraded sites, with liability for the rehabilitation being borne by the perpetrators through the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’. To enforce this aspect, the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ shall be strengthened through the development of appropriate regulations and the strengthening of the existing legislative framework. The legislative reform shall be expedited to ensure environmental justice and accountability in view of public interest.”
Dr Muswere noted that no alluvial mining sites requiring rehabilitation were identified in Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare provinces.
He said the Government continued to intensify monitoring, evaluation and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Reports from various provinces also show significant progress in eliminating alluvial mining, paving the way for rehabilitation of previously degraded areas.
