Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
TRADITIONAL leaders have been urged to be vigilant and guard against destructive mining activities in their communities by working closely with law enforcement agencies to preserve the environment.
This was said by the Chief of Staff, General Staff of the Zimbabwe National Army, Major General Augustine Chipwere during the 3 Infantry Brigade Traditional Leaders’ meeting held at Chief Nyashanu’s homestead in Buhera.
He revealed that riverbed mining is causing environmental degradation, polluting water sources, and threatening their supply.
“Although it is a noble idea to economically empower our youths in areas such as mining, we note the destruction of the environment caused by some mining activities. Illegal miners are leaving open pits, gullies, and piling sand on rivers. Traditional leaders should encourage their people to carry out proper mining activities and follow procedures laid down by the Environment Management Agency (EMA). Perpetrators of environmental degradation should be reported to the police.
“Riverbed mining was banned, and the Provincial Joint Operations Command should continue monitoring the implementation of this ban across the province.
Those carrying out riverbed mining are damaging our rivers, affecting the smooth flow of water. Those downstream are being denied water for drinking and for their livestock. Climate change is having a phenomenal effect in Southern Africa, resulting in low rainfall, and Zimbabwe is not spared. This is leading to lower harvests in some areas. We must work together to mitigate climate change and protect natural forests from deforestation,” said Major General Chipwere.
He also revealed that the army is carrying out a number of critical infrastructure construction around the province.
“In Buhera Central, under Chief Nyashanu, we are constructing a Civil Registry Office where people will access national documents close to their homes, and we expect to hand it over next year. In Mutasa North, at Nyatsanza Primary School, we are constructing 10 boarding houses for girls. At St Columbus, we will construct a church. In Mutasa Central, at Manica Bridge, we are constructing a dairy and community shop. In Makoni District, Headlands Constituency, we are constructing a classroom block. All these developmental works are a result of collaboration between traditional leaders and communities,” said Major General Chipwere.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said traditional leaders are playing in promoting peace and development in the province. “Traditional leaders are torchbearers of development and are at the forefront of advocating for important social services such as education and health. The development being led by traditional leaders in their jurisdictions is accelerating the implementation of devolution to attain Vision 2030.
“We would like to thank the Zimbabwe National Army for their dedication to promoting peace and stability in the country. The ZNA and traditional leaders are key stakeholders in maintaining peace for development to take place. Traditional leaders are urged to work closely with Government, supporting development projects to overcome challenges such as poverty, gender-based violence, drug abuse, climate change, and youth unemployment. If we all unite with a spirit of patriotism, we will raise the profile of our province culturally and economically,” said Minister Mugadza.
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