BULAWAYO – In a decisive move aimed at curbing environmental degradation and protecting vital water resources, the Zimbabwean government has issued a blanket ban on all riverbed and alluvial mining activities, effectively putting an end to the practice of “chikorokoza” across the country.
The announcement was made by Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere following a Cabinet meeting where a report on the issue was presented by Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.
The ban comes as a direct response to the alarming environmental damage caused by unregulated mining practices, particularly in areas surrounding critical water sources.
The report highlighted the devastating consequences of these activities, including rampant water pollution, siltation of river channels, and the disruption of delicate ecosystems.
In Bulawayo, the situation has reached a critical point. Illegal gold panning around the city’s supply dams, especially the decommissioned Umzingwane Dam, has exacerbated the already dire water shortages.
The plunder of resources has left extensive damage to dam banks and severely threatened the city’s water resources. With Umzingwane Dam now at a mere two percent capacity, the situation is so dire that the dam may not recover without extreme weather events.
The city’s overall dam levels are at a precarious 32 percent, with ongoing illegal mining further compromising the integrity of water infrastructure.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has sounded the alarm, warning that these activities, along with other unregulated practices, are preventing rainwater from replenishing the dams, worsening the city’s water crisis.
The government’s decision to ban “chikorokoza” has been welcomed by environmental groups and concerned citizens who have long raised concerns about the destructive impact of unregulated mining. They see this move as a crucial step towards protecting the country’s natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future.
However, the ban has also raised questions about the livelihoods of those who rely on “chikorokoza” for their income. Many individuals, particularly in rural areas, have turned to this activity as a means of survival, often lacking access to formal employment opportunities.
