Community leaders in Bulawayo are calling for a reassessment of the benefits of urban mining in the city, noting the need to weigh these against the harmful impacts on the environment and residents.
This call was made during the launch of a documentary titled “Time Bomb: The Impact of Urban Mining on the City of Bulawayo,” organised by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) and CITE, in Pumula on Friday.
Trust Mkhwananzi, Chairperson of the development committee for Ward 17, urged residents to use the information from the documentary to critically assess the mining activities taking place in various parts of Bulawayo.
“The documentary was eye-opening. We now see how illegal mining is affecting the city as a whole. It highlights challenges where quarry and gold are being mined, with some activities even threatening our water sources,” said Mkhwananzi.
He added, “We need to hold an Indaba with all relevant stakeholders, engage the government, and determine what should happen when resources are found in settled areas. Should people be relocated, or should mining take precedence in urban areas? These are questions that need answers.”
Mkhwananzi also expressed concern over the potential destruction of the Khami Ruins heritage site, located near a mine. “If these blasts continue, that monument could be lost forever. Additionally, baboons from the Khami area are being displaced by mining activities and are now entering our homes, creating a nuisance for residents. We need a solution to this.”
Ward 28 councillor, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, representing the mayor, argued that urban mining should be halted in Bulawayo and that the city needs to review its mining-related bylaws.
“Mining operations should not be permitted in urban areas. We need to weigh the positive contributions against the negative impacts. While we recognize the benefits mining brings to the community, we must also acknowledge its adverse effects. Mining should not be conducted near residential areas due to its negative impacts,” said Cllr Ndlovu.
He further noted that Haulin Mine has approached the city council for an extension of its operational term. “Is this what we want as residents? Considering the current challenges, we must ask ourselves what an extended period of operations would mean for our environment.”
“As a city, we need to reassess our policies and bylaws, amending them to safeguard against environmental, social, and health risks from mining activities. Further research is essential to guide us in making informed decisions,” he added.
Sox the Poet, who has created music addressing the effects of mining, shared how these activities have negatively impacted residents.
“Houses are cracking, roads are being damaged, and we are facing widespread environmental degradation,” he said. “The documentary has highlighted these challenges. Let’s use this knowledge to make more informed decisions.”
