Residents in Goromonzi have called for strict mining regulations and a review of the current fiscal framework, citing ineffective penalties as responsible for pollution and raising concerns about revenue leakages in the district.
The residents argue that mining companies operating in the area are causing significant environmental degradation with little consequence, while the community receives minimal benefits.
The sentiments were shared during a stakeholder engagement meeting hosted by ActionAid Zimbabwe in partnership with Zimbabwe Council of Churches and Publish What You Pay Coalition to come up with an action plan to implement Environmental Sustainability Governance (ESG) at grassroots level.
An environmental monitor from ward 13, Samuel Gamanya, said mining companies were not being penalized adequately for environmental pollution.
“Companies are being penalized by EMA for pollution, but it’s not effective. Mining companies pollute, they pay a small fine and they keep polluting, the penalty doesn’t dent their pockets while people are getting sick and the pollution continues.
“For these big mining companies what they are paying is nothing, they will keep going against the law because the fine is not stiff while people are left to contend with the effects of land degradation,” he said.
Gamanya also highlighted the inadequacy of the current penalties, with a maximum fine of US$5 000 proving insignificant for large mining corporations. Ward 17 Councilor Tavengwa Bachi raised concern about the distribution of revenue generated from mining activities arguing that the community is not receiving a fair share of profits, pointing to the poor state of local roads, which they attribute to heavy mine vehicles.
“We have attended EIA meetings for a long time, however, there is no development happening,” he said.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about ESG or would like to collaborate with us, please contact us at on admin@esgnetworkzimbabwe.co.zw, or simply call us on 0774768895.
Stay Connected Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest ESG news, events, and resources
