By Donald Nyarota
Communities in Boterekwa, Shurugwi, have taken their grievances over destructive mining practices to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, demanding urgent intervention to address environmental damage, health risks, and loss of livelihoods.
The petition, submitted by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), highlights a pattern of alleged regulatory failure by key authorities, including the Environmental Management Agency and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. It argues that despite existing laws and oversight mandates, mining operations in the area continue to violate environmental and safety standards.
Residents point to widespread environmental degradation, including the destruction of landscapes and biodiversity loss. Of particular concern is pollution of the Mutevekwi River, where independent tests reportedly detected toxic metals such as mercury and copper—posing long-term health risks to communities that depend on the water for domestic use and agriculture.
Dust pollution from nearby mining operations has also been linked to rising respiratory illnesses, while the use of hazardous chemicals like cyanide raises fears of further contamination. In addition, blasting activities by mining companies have caused structural damage to homes, leaving families living in fear of collapse.
CNRG says these issues reflect a broader governance crisis in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector, where communities often bear the costs while receiving little benefit. The organization is calling on Parliament to investigate the situation, enforce compliance with environmental laws, and ensure compensation for affected households.
The petition invokes constitutional provisions that guarantee citizens the right to a clean environment and to petition Parliament. It also urges lawmakers to strengthen regulation of artisanal mining and take decisive steps to protect public health.
As pressure mounts, the response of Parliament will be seen as a test of its commitment to uphold constitutional rights and ensure accountability in the country’s mining sector.