MUTOKO traditional leader Chief Phexwell Gwariwa Charehwa says despite the steady extraction of black granite in the town, pathways that connect communities and facilitate trade remain in disrepair.
Indoor surfaces such as kitchen countertops, carpeting and tabletops often make use of black granite stone, as it is a popular choice for interior design projects due to its exquisite appearance and durability.
Mutoko, a small town in Mashonaland East province, contributes approximately 75% of Zimbabwe’s 150 000 tonnes of black granite annually.
Speaking during the Promoting Accountability in Natural Stone Mining workshop hosted by ActionAid yesterday in Murewa, Charehwa said despite Mutoko’s rich mineral deposits, the district’s roads remained in a deplorable state.
This, he said, had left residents frustrated and disappointed.
“In spite of the ongoing extraction of black granite by foreign corporations, the wealth derived from the land has failed to bring about significant development for the residents of Mutoko,” Charehwa said.
The chief’s worries resonate with many locals who have seen the riches of their land being transported away, while their own lives remain entrenched in poverty and lack of progress.
“The roads are poorly maintained, schools are deprived of vital resources and access to basic healthcare remains an unattainable goal.”
He said while the black granite brought wealth to the nation, citizens remained stuck in poverty.
“We must advocate for a system that ensures the benefits of our resources uplift the community that nurtures them,” the traditional leader said.
He noted that while the mining industry played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy, the rewards had eluded the very communities that host these profitable enterprises.
The traditional leader pleaded for accountability and fair distribution of resources while underscoring the pressing need for change in how the wealth generated from black granite was managed.
He added that this would ensure that the people of Mutoko could finally benefit from the riches of their land.
Mutoko community paralegal Evelyn Kutyauripo painted a sad picture of how women are now giving birth along the roads because of the lack of tarred roads making access to healthcare facilities impossible.
“This is a heartbreaking reality that highlights the urgent need for infrastructural development to support the lives of our mothers and children,” she said.
ActionAid project co-ordinator Darlington Chidarara said the granite value chain should function with full transparency to guarantee the fair distrubution of the valuable resource among the communities that hosted it.
“Keeping the valuation and management of granite secretive hinders the opportunity for sustainable practices that could improve the lives of local residents,” he said.
“By creating a culture of accountability and openness, stakeholders can adopt strategies that safeguard the environment while also focusing on the community’s well-being. It is crucial for all involved parties to dedicate themselves to sustainable practices that empower local populations, ensuring they have a say in decision-making and a rightful share of the wealth produced from their land.”