Illegal gold miners operating along the banks of dams that supply water to Bulawayo in Matabeleland South are worsening pollution by releasing mercury and other chemicals into the water, council officials have said.
Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart, raised the concern while addressing delegates at the ongoing Trade Effluent and Water Recycling Indaba, warning that unregulated riverbank mining is contaminating critical catchment areas.
The indaba, held under the theme “Innovation for a Responsible Industry, Cleaner Environment and Water Security in Zimbabwe,” seeks to encourage industries to comply with regulations governing the management of waste discharged into water sources.
According to the city council, at least 50 percent of industries operating in Bulawayo are failing to comply with municipal by-laws on effluent management.
Cllr Coltart said illegal gold panning along riverbanks and near dams is compounding the city’s water challenges by introducing toxic substances that make purification more complex and costly.
“We have illegal gold miners depositing mercury and other harmful chemicals into water bodies and catchment areas,” he said.
“So aside from the water shortages, we face an existential threat from chemicals being discharged into our water sources. Government has said riverbank mining should stop, but no effective measures are being taken to halt the practice.”
Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the discharge of untreated industrial effluent is also threatening the integrity of the city’s sewer infrastructure.
“The issue at hand is to ensure that effluent discharged from industries is treated and meets the standards required for our sewer system,” he said.
“Untreated effluent destroys the micro-organisms that assist in the natural treatment of sewerage waste. Industry must therefore comply with the city’s by-laws.
“We are here to encourage one another to comply. Compliance will not only protect residents and stakeholders, but also safeguard the industries themselves, as they need to operate in an environment that is sustainable and conducive.”
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