GOVERNMENT and stakeholders in the Midlands province have called for concerted effort in coming up with best practices in dealing with human displacements caused by mining activities.
In a speech at a Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation (CCMT) workshop held in Gweru, Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Edgar Seenza said there was a need to balance economic and social interests in situations where communities had to be displaced to pave way for mining operations.
“In such instances, there is a need to balance economic and social interests,” Seenza, who was represented by deputy director in his office Patricia Mpofu, said.
“If their [displaced people] sources of livelihoods are affected they may need new sources of livelihoods and this requires a holistic approach to development that includes economic, social and cultural considerations.”
He said there was need to consider the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, which suggested comprehensive compensation.
CCMT director Xavier Mudangwe said there should be dialogue between miners and affected communities.
“That is why we are having different stakeholders coming together to discuss issues to do with mining-induced displacements because as CCMT, we believe with diverse perspectives as stakeholders, we are able to [come up with] ideas and strategies in dealing with conflict issues,” he said.
Development-induced displacements expert Terrence Mashingaidze also called for dialogue between stakeholders and the displaced communities.
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The workshop was held under the theme Mining for a Better Future: Best Practices for Mitigating the Effects of Mining-Related Development-Induced Displacements.
