Vubachikwe Mine seeks to resume operations

Zim Now Writer

Vubachikwe, a gold mine which lies about 8km north-west of Gwanda, in Matabeleland South Province, seeks to resume operations that were halted following violent protests that saw the destruction of infrastructure.

Since the protests, the mine’s management working to bring back the mine to full operations.

They have been working on repair and resurrection of the infrastructure that was affected by the protests, leading to cessation of operations.

“The mine is currently working on resuscitating and rebuilding the TSF (Tailings Storage Facility) plant that had been destroyed by rain and a halt in operations. Most repairs have been completed at the TSF plant. These repairs and rebuilds are key on the road to reopening the mine and resumption of normalcy,” said mine manager None Kananji.

“As we gear up towards reopening a deliberate decision has been reached this week by management and owners to begin a scaled-up sprucing up of buildings and infrastructure including the mine headgear which would otherwise be difficult to attend to when operations are in full swing,” added Kananji.

The mine is working on fixing damages and providing services to the mining community, but vandalism has taken root with miscreants wreaking havoc with their errant behaviour.

Manhole metal covers are being stolen for sale as scrap metal and this has continued to worsen the situation and cause a delay in the resumption of operations at the mine.

After stealing the metal covers, bricks are being thrown down into the sewer main holes, causing blockages that have affected the community.

While management is working on clearing blocked sewage pipes, to provide basic needs in the communities, the sewer infrastructure damages have derailed management’s efforts to rebuild mine infrastructure and return to normalcy, as these blockages happen every day.

“At the end of the day, this infrastructure is for the workers and inhabitants of the mine. Apart from vandalism of Zesa property, this sewer problem is the next frontier in confronting anarchy and vandalism but hopefully, we will get on top of the situation.”

“The wish by the handful is to create a false image of crisis in the provision of decent amenities which is peddled to all who buy that propaganda hook, line, and sinker, but our pursuit is to ensure that we prevent water-borne diseases like cholera breaking out so we are keeping our eye on prevention of vandalism, repairing what has been damaged and gearing up for a return to full-scale operations,” said Kananji.