Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
SENATE deputy president Mike Nyambuya has called for tough action against those engaged in illegal mining in urban areas, following the arrest of eight people for mining at a house in the low-density suburb of Marlborough in Harare.
Cde Nyambuya made the remarks during the Senate’s question and answer session yesterday.
“I urge you, Deputy Minister (for Mines and Mining Development Minister Caleb Makwiranzou), to take decisive action against such practices which tarnish the image of the country,” he said.
This followed questions by Manicaland Senator Cde Irene Zindi to Deputy Minister Makwiranzou on what the Government was doing to curb illegal mining at Christmas Pass and in Marlborough.
“On the Marlborough issue, our Permanent Secretary (Dr Thomas Utete Wushe) and officials from the Environmental Management Authority and the police visited the residence, and action has been taken. We cannot have such activities in urban areas,” Deputy Minister Makwiranzou said.
Cde Zindi said the mining at Christmas Pass endangered lives and property in nearby communities.
“The illegal miners have dug trenches of up to 20 metres long and if we have heavy rains like we did during Cyclone Idai then households downhill risk being washed away if the trenches are filled with water and break their banks,” she said.
Deputy Minister Makwiranzou said his Ministry would deploy staff to deal with the matter.
“When the matter was first raised in this House we deployed our mining inspectors and we thought the practice had stopped.
“So, we will send our teams again and also engage officials from the EMA and the police to deal with the matter decisively,” the Deputy Minister said.
