Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Recent discussions at the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba have highlighted the urgent need for community involvement in combating riverbed mining, especially following the government’s ban on the practice.
Stakeholders emphasized that without local engagement, efforts to curb this environmentally damaging activity are likely to fail.
Background on the Ban
The Zimbabwean government initially announced a ban on alluvial and riverbed mining in 2020 to address severe environmental degradation. Despite this, the practice has persisted, prompting authorities to impose stricter penalties, including the forfeiture of mining equipment for offenders. However, stakeholders argue that these measures alone are insufficient.
Key Stakeholder Insights
- Phanuel Mangisi, an Environmental Management Agency manager, pointed out that previous statutory instruments have not effectively halted riverbed mining. He stressed the importance of stakeholder participation in enforcing the ban and protecting the environment.
- Nomasiko Mpofu, a lecturer at the Zimbabwe School of Mines in Bulawayo, highlighted the devastating effects of riverbed mining on local ecosystems. She called for increased community monitoring, emphasizing that local residents are best positioned to safeguard their environment.
- Tatenda Manganda, representing the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry, noted that the suspension of alluvial mining was largely due to environmental concerns and conflicts between farmers and miners. He mentioned that legislation is being developed to better regulate mining activities.
In a previous story publicized by this media house, it was reported that Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart bemoaned the lack of enforcement laws to curb riverbed mining.
Sen. Coltart lamented the effects riverbed mining was causing to the water bodies that supply water to the City.
Conclusion
The consensus among stakeholders is clear: to effectively combat riverbed mining and its environmental impacts, the government must actively involve local communities in the decision-making process. Empowering these communities not only enhances accountability but also fosters a sense of ownership over their natural resources, which is crucial for sustainable environmental management.
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