Communities along the Runde River under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane have said illegal mining in the area has resulted in massive siltation of their water sources.
Chief Masunda told Southern Eye that the issue needs to be addressed urgently as dams and rivers are now under serious threat. Said Chief Masunda:
The issue of illegal mining in our community is of major concern and needs to be addressed now.
This is causing the siltation of our water bodies and the holding capacity of our rivers and dams has been reduced drastically.
Water is essential to life on our planet.
Illegal mining activities are rampant across the country and the miners habitually pollute water sources when discharging mine effluent.