By Joshua Chibvuma

The Schist derived fertile soils of Chimanimani have become a colouring agent of a number of rivers. Most rivers have been known in the past for providing fresh water to the riparian communities. This have since become a thing of the past.

The discovery of gold near several rivers in the district has changed the river and stream waters purity. Pure colourless water has become red from the schist derived soils from which gold points are obtained.

Going along the winding road to Rusitu Kopa via the new road made after cyclone Idai one crosses a bridge across Nyabamba River. At this bridge the water is a clear sign of the presence of gold mining in the area. From its source beyond the Roscommon Estate the river has become a victim of alluvial gold mining.

This has transformed the once clear water into muddy red water. This river’s waters flows eastwards where it enters into Nyahode River a tributary of Rusitu River. Rusitu River becomes Lusite River once it enters Mozambique. All riparian communities and aquatic ecosystems are exposed to the dangers of water pollution.

East of Chimanimani village town near the Hut in the Mawenje Mountains several people have also been lured into the National Park area by more gold discoveries. The talk by many is that raputika. This means there is new gold mining rush.

The Hut area nearby streams flow into the mighty silent Haroni River which is another tributary of Rusitu River. Gold washing by the small scale illegal miners has continuously led to the pollution of the rivers in the gold mining areas.

Illegal gold mining in the district has remained a thorn in the flesh for environmentalists and government bodies. Managing the common resources for the benefit of all in the country is surely becoming a mirage.

The scattered nature of the gold mining sites in Chimanimani district renders management nearly impossible. The solutions to the heavy pollution that is clear to see from the rivers is clearly not in site. The destruction and degradation of rivers and riparian vegetation is clearly visible.

Several questions have to be answered to be able to reduce the illegal mining activities whose effects are adverse to mountain riparian and aquatic ecosystems. Where do most people involved come from? Are there external players involved? Why do the people always return despite efforts to curb the activities by EMA in collaboration with the security forces in the areas of concern? These are some of the hard questions that have to be answered to win the war against illegal mining.

In an attempt to answer some of the questions several studies have been carried out throughout Zimbabwe. However, the problem continues unabated. This calls for continued studies since gold mining is seen as one of the remaining fast track methods out of abject poverty.

Sure, something has to be done. It has to be done by someone for the benefit of many people who benefit from clean water from rivers. The gold has to be mined in a sustainable manner. A gold rich district must have a lot to show for its gold not just dusty roads and poor people.