Tinotenda Hove – The Action Democratic Movement (ADM) has sounded the alarm over the escalating environmental degradation along the Mazowe River, accusing Chinese-linked miners of causing extensive damage while Government authorities fail to intervene.

Communities in Mapunga, near the Mazowe River, say the once-reliable water source has now become a mud-filled channel due to what they describe as unregulated, destructive mining activities.

Villagers told ADM representatives that the river is heavily silted, with one resident saying, “Mazowe River is now filled with mud. We can’t use this water for domestic purposes, and even our livestock are suffering because the river is no longer safe for drinking.”

According to locals, the miners’ operations have devastated riverbanks, caused uncontrolled digging and polluted water used by households and animals. Villagers have repeatedly appealed for intervention, but accuse the authorities of turning a blind eye to the crisis.

In a statement on Thursday, ADM said the Government must take immediate corrective action. “The Government cannot sit back while our rivers are being destroyed. We challenge the authorities to act now and stop these unregulated activities by Chinese miners before Mazowe River is completely lost,” read part of the statement.

ADM described the situation as a reflection of poor environmental governance and disregard for the welfare of rural communities. “People in Mazowe depend on this river. When it is destroyed, their whole way of life is threatened,” the movement said.

The organisation is calling for a full investigation, the suspension of illegal operations and the restoration of the river ecosystem before more irreversible damage occurs.

ADM says it will continue pressuring the Government until meaningful action is taken to protect Zimbabwe’s natural resources and the communities that rely on them.