Chronicle Editor
IN a race against time, the Vubachikwe Gold Mine in Gwanda successfully averted a looming water cleanliness crisis that had the potential to spiral out of control.
The mine management referred to the situation as a ticking time bomb that threatened the health and well-being of the villagers.
The crisis was triggered by illegal miners who had wreaked havoc on the water infrastructure, leaving the community vulnerable to diseases.
In response to an illegal and violent protest in the final quarter of last year, the mine had resorted to supplying primary water through bowsers.
The strike, which was seen as an attempt to hinder the mine’s participation in the Government’s US$12 billion mining industry target and its US$4 billion gold contribution to the fiscus, proceeded despite lacking police authorisation.
Efforts to rectify the aftermath of the strike were underway when concerns arose about water purity due to various factors stemming from the illegal activities.
However, with the restoration of tap water, the mine recently launched an enhanced project to ensure that the water meets world-class potable quality standards for the villagers.
“It had become a major concern for us that the water quality was not up to our desired standards as it was during the peak of our operations. We had to take action, stated None Kananji, the mine manager.
“In order to guarantee the highest standards for our mine workers and their families, we have increased the procurement of chlorine and iron sulphate for water processing.
“These and other water processing chemicals are now readily available at the mine,” assured Kananji.
“Our team has been monitoring the water, and we observed that after the repair of the damaged water pipes, the provided water was not as clean as we would have liked it to be.
“This prompted us to make a conscious decision to step up our efforts and avert a potential crisis.
“Clean and safe drinking water is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right for every human being, and we hold that right sacred in this community,” added Kananji.
As efforts continue to implement a comprehensive plan for the mine’s operations, restore optimal mining conditions, and remove illegal miners.
The mine is also taking measures to safeguard the water and power infrastructure.
This includes the establishment of a robust security team led by internal mining sentries Max Ruza and Musa Amidu along with the assistance of top-notch security firm Double Eye Security.
“Going forward, clean water is absolutely guaranteed,” affirmed Kananji, expressing the mine’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the community and upholding their right to access clean and potable water.
Online Reporter