ALVINA CHIWANIKA

MIRROR REPORTER

SHURUGWI – The recently registered Shurugwi Residents and Ratepayers Association (SRRA) has said that it will soon engage the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development over infrastructure damages caused by mining activities.

The association’s chairperson Bulle Madzitira told The Mirror that blasting activities from mines including Mahure, Camper, Magazine, illegal miners at Macknon Kop Hill and several Chinese run mines are affecting suburbs as Makusha, Sebanga, Darkcity ,Plots and some houses in town.“Zimasco water tanks, Econet, Telecel, and NetOne network boosters, critical infrastructure and houses are under threat from mining activities.

Some houses are already showing signs of giving in with visible cracks, cracking roof tiles and window putty and panes falling off. “We implore and will engage the Ministry of Mines, Environment Management Authority (EMA), District Development Coordinator (DDC), council and the office of the Minister of State to intervene before real disaster strikes.

Its scary waking up around 3am to massive ground shake caused by blasting. This has been happening for the past years,” said Madzitire.Shurugwi Town Chairperson Fanuel Machiya said that they have received the complaint from residents and are working to resolve the impasse.“We have engaged the Chinese companies over the issue and they are forthcoming to discuss about the issue and come up with solutions,” said Machiya.