Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
MASHONALAND Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo has voiced concern over the escalating degradation of rivers in the province, warning that the destruction of water systems poses a threat not only to the environment, but also to economic survival and future development.
This has resulted in a decrease in winter wheat production this season, dropping from 28 000 to 27 000 hectares.
Speaking at a meeting in Bindura, Minister Magomo described the situation as a “major economic challenge” and urged immediate action to stop ongoing ecological damage.
“Our province is blessed with fertile soils, flowing rivers and abundant natural resources, yet our people remain hungry,” he said.
“This situation is exacerbated by the alarming destruction of our rivers, which once sustained communities through agriculture, domestic use and economic activity.”
Minister Magomo criticised certain companies and individuals assigned to rehabilitate river systems, accusing them of worsening the issue instead.
“It is disturbing that some of those tasked with restoring our rivers are using heavy machinery, which aggravates erosion, siltation and pollution with chemical waste.”
His remarks come amid increasing concerns about illegal mining and unauthorised activities disguised as rehabilitation projects.
The provincial leadership has now ordered a halt to further mining operations under the pretence of environmental restoration.
“All rehabilitation activities must focus solely on true rehabilitation. No more mining operations will be allowed under false pretences. All activities must take place between 8am and 4pm only,” said Minister Magomo.
To address the crisis, a multi-stakeholder taskforce has been established to collaborate with local communities for monitoring and enforcement.
Each rehabilitation site will now be required to have a clear, time-bound action plan with set milestones and regular evaluations.
“This is not optional. The natural flow and integrity of our rivers must remain intact,” said the minister.
“We will not allow any further destruction in the name of profit.”
In a strong appeal to both Government agencies and local communities, Minister Magomo called for unity and urgent action.
“Let us protect our people, our land, and our future together, with one voice,” he urged.
The district development coordinator for Mt Darwin, Mr White Nkoma, said Mukaradzi River is one of the hotspots due to mining activities.
Meanwhile, the Mazowe and Murodzi Rivers are also under threat from similar activities.
In Guruve, the Impinge and Msengezi Rivers, which originate from the Great Dyke, are heavily polluted, and the district has numerous chrome mining activities.
In Bindura, the Saimona, Chipadze Farm bridge, and Mt Darwin bridge are affected by alluvial mining.
Although mining activities are prominent in Mbire, the district has four significant rivers Angwa, Dande and Msengezi. Rehabilitation of the Dande River alone requires millions of dollars.
A Dande River gully is eroding five metres of land each year toward the clinic, Mushimbi business centre and other offices.
Environmental officer Mr Tarcisious Mahuni reported that the bridge connecting to Chitsungo hospital had been condemned due to this phenomenon.
He said a committee led by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) assessed the situation and recommended that earthworks are needed to prevent the gully from encroaching on the business centre and key infrastructure, including the clinic.
Chiefs Bushu, Chapuriro, Kasekete, Rusambo, Chisungo and Chipadze attended the meeting and unanimously agreed to put a stop to riverbed mining.
