Residents of Pumula have voiced their frustration over the environmental degradation caused by urban mining activities in their area.
Pumula suburb hosts ZADA Mine and Haulin Mine, which extract quarry from the area.
The residents shared their concerns during the launch of a documentary titled, “Time Bomb: The Impact of Urban Mining on the City of Bulawayo,” by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) and CITE in Pumula on Friday.
The documentary revealed how mining has adversely affected the environment, impacting everything from local water sources to homes situated near the mining sites.
One participant stated that the city council should be held accountable for the damage, as it is responsible for granting mining rights to companies.
“The organisation responsible for the mines causing the issues we face today is the city council. The local authority allocates the land before any other entities get involved. Mining companies only approach the Ministry of Mines and EMA after receiving their permits,” the resident said.
“How does the council grant mining permits knowing that the suburb is likely to expand? They are aware of the master plan but still approve these mines. We need to press the council to stop issuing new mining permits near residential areas.”
Another resident, Gladys Mtisi, complained that the mining activities are disrupting the ecosystem, leading to baboons from Khami encroaching into their homes.
“These mining operations are affecting us. We are being harassed by baboons fleeing the blasts, and they have even damaged our asbestos roofs. While we may not be directly impacted by the mining itself, the side effects are having a serious impact on us. We need these issues addressed and want the mining activities to stop. The damage is too extensive,” she said.
Another resident argued that the supposed “benefits” provided to residents are not sufficient when compared to the environmental damage caused by the mining companies.
“We understand that we may be receiving some benefits from the mines, but to what extent? Right now, Haulin is covering school fees for two children per school, for a year. But that’s just one year and for only two children per school,” she said.
“Is this really enough compensation for the environmental impacts? We have children and grandchildren who rely on the homes we’ve built—will these homes last under such conditions? We need to be realistic about the challenges we are facing.”
