Govt mulls closure of Kwekwe mines

Zim Now Writer

Mining activities in Kwekwe have continued to threaten Kwekwe city centre’s infrastructure and environment, forcing government to consider the closure of mines in the Midlands city.

This comes as a family in the town, the Rusike family, had their home collapsing into a mine shaft recently.

The family had moved out of the property in August last year. This happened after Globe and Phoenix Primary School was forced to shut down after a classroom collapsed into a shaft, leaving scores of people injured.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Larry Mavima, recently visited the Rusike home.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa ordered a comprehensive geo-survey following the incidents, to assess the extent of the damage caused by these rampant mining activities.

Although the results are still pending, the Department of Civil Protection has condemned a Government complex in the vicinity, arguing it was unsafe and necessitated immediate evacuation

Mavima expressed deep concern over the situation and stressed that if mining activities persist, the Government will have no choice but to shut down the mines in the area.

He said while the Joint Operations Command was in the process of compiling a report, if the rampant mining activities continue, the Government would be left with no option but to close the mines in the area.

“The future is uncertain for the people in this area hence the report will clearly show the impact of the mining activities here and the only option will be to close down the mines.

“The level of destruction is very worrisome. Even if people want money, they should look for legal and better ways of making money. We have a serious situation in this town; not only are these houses facing collapse but even surrounding buildings may collapse. This is a disaster,” said Minister Mavima.