A residents’ trust in Hwange has petitioned Parliament to investigate mining practices that they say are polluting the Deka River and putting thousands of people and wildlife at risk.
The Greater Whange Residents Trust (GWRT) is calling for an inquiry into how mining companies in the district extract coal and dispose of waste, warning that current methods pose “serious danger” to communities and the environment.
In a petition addressed to the Speaker of Parliament and Members of Parliament, the trust said Hwange District, including rural communities, urban settlements and parts of Hwange National Park, relies heavily on the Deka River as a primary water source.
The river supports more than 50,000 residents as well as wildlife habitats in surrounding protected areas.
GWRT said the rapid growth of open-cast and underground coal mining had increased the risk of environmental damage. Research, they said, already points to rising levels of pollution in the Deka River.
“Coal mining is a key industry in Hwange,” the trust wrote. “However, if not properly done it can negatively impact both humans and wildlife, as well as the environment of Hwange and beyond.”
Residents accuse some mining companies of using harmful waste disposal methods, resulting in toxic materials being washed into the river downstream from mining sites.
While the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is responsible for enforcing environmental standards, the trust said both people and wildlife face “serious risk” due to current waste management practices.
They cited Section 73 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and the duty to protect natural resources for present and future generations.
GWRT is asking Parliament to launch a full investigation into mining methods along the Deka River, examine how waste is being disposed of, and order water quality tests both upstream and downstream of mining operations.
The petition also calls on lawmakers to determine the extent of the threat to humans and wildlife and to recommend cleaner, environmentally safe mining practices.
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