Gumbo decries lack of clear mining Frameworks

By Dumisani Ndlovu

KWEKWE - The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Jorum Gumbo, has expressed concern over the lack of clear frameworks regulating artisanal and small-scale mining in Zimbabwe, citing the destruction of infrastructure and environmental degradation.

Gumbo made the marks during a recent tour of the Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe, which has been affected by mining activities in the area. The school's original building collapsed in 2023 due to the effects of mining, leaving hundreds of students without a safe learning environment.

The school has since been reconstructed through a partnership between the government, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other stakeholders. The new school, valued at US$600,000, boasts modern facilities, including seven classrooms, an administration block, and special amenities for students with disabilities.

Gumbo emphasized the need for urgent intervention to address the issue of uncontrolled mining activities, which pose a significant risk to the safety of students and the environment.

"The lack of clear policies and frameworks regulating artisanal and small-scale mining is a major concern," Gumbo said. "It has led to the destruction of infrastructure, environmental degradation, and displacement of communities."

The Kwekwe District Development Coordinator, Fortunate Mpungu, dismissed reports of illegal mining activities near the school.

"I can assure you that there are no illegal mining activities taking place near the school," Mpungu said.

However, Gumbo acknowledged the presence of artisanal and small-scale miners in the area and emphasized the need for clear policies and frameworks to regulate their activities.

"We need to establish clear policies and frameworks that regulate the mining sector," Gumbo said.

"This will help to prevent the destruction of infrastructure, protect the environment, and ensure that communities benefit from mining activities."

The headmaster of Globe and Phoenix Primary School, Gibson Murehwi, expressed concern over the impact of mining activities on the school's infrastructure and students.

"The presence of miners near the school poses a significant risk to the safety of our students," Murehwi said. "We need urgent intervention to address this issue and ensure that our students have a safe and conducive learning environment."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working with the government and local stakeholders to support the development of education infrastructure in disadvantaged communities. The church's humanitarian specialist for Zimbabwe, Caroline Kuhudzai, emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies and frameworks to regulate the mining sector.

"We need to establish clear policies and frameworks that regulate the mining sector," Kuhudzai said. "This will help to prevent the destruction of infrastructure, protect the environment, and ensure that communities benefit from mining activities."

Kuhudzai emphasized the need for collaboration and coordination among relevant stakeholders to address the issue.

"We need to work together to address this issue," she said. "We need to establish clear policies and frameworks, and ensure that they are enforced."