By Wallace Mawire
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) in Zimbabwe has formally
submitted a petition to the Parliament of Zimbabwe calling for urgent intervention in
response to escalating environmental destruction, public health risks and human rights
violations linked to mining activities in Boterekwa, Shurugwi.
The petition, grounded in Sections 59 and 149 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, reflects
the voices and lived experiences of affected communities who continue to bear the
brunt of unregulated and harmful extractive practices.
CNRG said despite the presence of regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of Mines and
Mining Development and the Environmental Management Agency, mining operations
in the area have reportedly failed to comply with environmental and legal standards.
They say communities have raised serious concerns which include severe environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity,hazardous dust pollution causing respiratory illnesses,unsafe use of cyanide and toxic chemicals,contamination of water sources such as at the Mutevekwi River with heavy metals and structural damage to homes due to mining blasts
“These violations are not just environmental, they are a direct assault on community
dignity, health and livelihoods,” said CNRG.
“The Constitution is clear, natural resources must benefit the people, not harm them,” they said.
The petitioners beseech the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its oversight role, on
administrative bodies and ministries charged with monitoring and evaluating the
implementation of mining development policies, regulating the management of the
environment and promoting, coordinating, and monitoring the protection of the
environment and ensure the rampant unsafe mining practices taking place at
Boterekwa mountain range in Shurugwi
The petition calls on Parliament of Zimbabwe to investigate the reported violations and take corrective action,ensure mining companies comply with environmental and cultural protection laws,compel compensation for affected households,strengthen regulation of artisanal mining and to implement urgent measures to protect public health and the environment.
CNRG has emphasized that the petition is part of a broader push to ensure accountability, Transparency and justice in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector.
The organization urged Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional oversight role decisively and in the public interest.
Boterekwa is a famous, scenic and treacherous 8-kilometre winding pass located near Shurugwi in Zimbabwe, known for its dramatic curves, steep mountains, and mining activity.
The term is Shona for “meandering” or a roundabout way, describing the road on the Gweru-Zvishavane highway. It is both a tourist marvel and a dangerous, heavily mined area.
Situated 33km east of Gweru, the area boasts dramatic, steep mountains. It was engineered by Italian contractors, featuring sharp, dangerous curves and designated lay-bys for viewing the scenery.
It is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular scenic routes but also known as a fatal accident spot.
The area is rich in gold, which has led to intense, often illegal, panning and mining, causing environmental degradation, dangerous road damage, and destruction of the formerly pristine forests.
Before excessive mining activity, it was noted for lush, dense vegetation similar to the Eastern Highlands. It also hosts the Dunraven Falls.
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance is a Zimbabwean civil society organization
dedicated to promoting equitable, transparent and sustainable management of natural
resources while defending the rights of affected communities.
CNRG, works to defend the rights of communities affected by extractive industries. This is response to how extractive industries expose rural communities to an avalanche of rights violations
which include land and water grabbing, water and air pollution, and direct violence by a
combined force of state and corporate power.
