THE government is finalising measures to enforce the recently announced ban on riverbed mining, as part of efforts to curb the destruction of watercourses, the Zimbabwe Independent has learned.
Earlier this week, authorities ordered an immediate halt to riverbed mining following a surge in illegal activities that have exacerbated the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
The directive, issued by cabinet on Tuesday, signals a tougher stance against practices that have devastated vital water resources.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri said the government was working on the modalities to implement the decision.
“Yes, the modalities to effect the cabinet decision will be put in place,” Jiri said when asked if a Statutory Instrument would be enacted to support the ban.
Riverbed mining has been linked to severe environmental damage, including the pollution and contamination of rivers essential for both human and wildlife survival.
Areas such as sections of the Mutare River have been particularly hard hit, with mining activities discolouring the water and rendering it unsafe.
In an interview with the Independent, Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando revealed that the government’s decision to impose the ban was driven by the failure of many mining companies to rehabilitate mined areas.
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“The cabinet banned riverbed mining because several rivers have been subjected to this practice, and the rehabilitation has not been carried out to the government’s expectations,” Chitando said.
“Water is a critical resource, vital not just for cropping, wildlife and livestock, but for human use as well.
“It is essential that our water bodies remain intact and are not compromised by mining activities.”
Chitando said the Ministry of Environment would soon outline detailed procedures for enforcing the ban.
He underscored that the government would not tolerate any mining practices that harm the environment, particularly water bodies.
“But again, what I can just say is that from a mining perspective, we want mining, but there is no mining which should take place that damages the environment, especially water bodies,” he said.
Chitando said while the government supported mining, it should not come at the cost of environmental damage.
“And so, we would want to ensure that all mining takes place without any damage to the environment.”
Environmental Management Agency spokesperson Amkela Sidange welcomed the government’s decision saying that the agency was prepared to take on new responsibilities that come with enforcing the ban.
“This is a new development and we appreciate the policy direction that is going to come with the new declaration, or can I say with the new development,” Sidange said.
“As the agency, we are ready to take up the task that will come with the new development towards ensuring that mining is done in a manner that does not harm the environment.”
The ban represents a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s approach to managing its natural resources, as the government seeks to balance economic interests with the need to protect the environment and mitigate the impact of climate change.
