Riverbed Miners Wreak Havoc in Matabeleland, threa...

Riverbed Miners Wreak Havoc in Matabeleland, threaten Bulwayo water supply

The destruction of the Inyankuni Bridge, a critical link between Insiza and Umzingwane districts, has reignited calls for a proactive stance against illegal riverbed mining in Zimbabwe, reports ZBC News.

The bridge, now impassable, forces motorists to wait for the mighty Umzingwane River to recede—a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of unchecked mining activities.

Illegal mining at the Umzingwane–Inyankuni confluence is just one of many hotspots troubling authorities, with Gwanda's West Nicholson and Matobo's Nugget also grappling with similar crises. The Environmental Management Agency has raised alarm over the severe environmental and infrastructural damage caused by these activities.

“We are deeply concerned about rampant alluvial mining in rivers like Umzingwane and Nugget. The use of harmful chemicals not only endangers the environment but also disrupts river flow. Despite the current rains, our dams are struggling to fill up,” said EMA Provincial Manager, Mr. Decent Ndlovu.

The ecological damage extends beyond the rivers, impacting districts that will ultimately bear the burden of rehabilitating devastated areas. Acting Director of Local Government, Mr. Jusa Zachariah, emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of affected areas.

“Umzingwane, Gwanda, and Matobo are some of the worst-hit districts. Once the gold rush subsides, these communities will be left to rehabilitate the land. We need proactive measures and consistent monitoring to curb this destruction,” Zachariah said.

The ripple effects of illegal mining are particularly pronounced in Bulawayo, where major dams such as Inyankuni, Mayfair, Upper and Lower Ncema, and Mtshabezi struggle to receive adequate water flow.

These dams are vital to the city’s water supply, and their diminished capacity has drawn the government’s attention. Bulawayo has been experiencing serious water shortages over the past few years.

“There was a Cabinet resolution to intensify the fight against riverbed mining across all provinces,” said Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution. “This doesn’t just refer to small-scale miners with dishes but all forms of riverbed mining. The destruction caused by these activities is catastrophic, and Bulawayo’s water challenges are proof of that. We must enforce the Cabinet ban to protect our environment and infrastructure.”

In August last year, the government banned all forms of riverbed mining in a bid to address environmental degradation and encourage sustainable practices.

Despite this, enforcement remains a challenge, as illegal miners continue to ravage rivers and critical infrastructure across the country.

As authorities grapple with the myriad of problems spawned by the illegal mining activities there is a growing call to safeguard Zimbabwe’s environment, infrastructure, and water security.