By A Correspondent- Communities in Ward 30 have raised concern over the continued deaths of cattle and goats reportedly becoming trapped and drowning in a slime dam associated with Bikita Minerals.

According to reports documented by community monitors from the Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA) and Bikita Institute for Land and Development (BILAD), livestock enter the slime dam in search of water and become trapped in deep mud. Villagers say the dam’s steep sides and lack of suitable escape points make it difficult for animals to get out once they enter.

Community members are particularly concerned about what they describe as inadequate safety measures to restrict livestock from accessing the slime dam. They say the situation is worsened by the lack of an accessible alternative water source for their animals, leaving livestock to search for water in potentially hazardous areas. The reported livestock deaths form part of broader environmental and human rights concerns surrounding mining activities in Bikita.

In August 2026, YESDA reported concerns over leakage from a Bikita Minerals slime dam in Murape Village, including community reports of livestock deaths and possible risks to surrounding water sources. Water access has also emerged as a significant community concern. Residents of Murape previously alleged that construction of a slime dam disrupted access to a water source they depended on. Bikita Minerals disputed aspects of those allegations and said an alternative borehole had been provided.

For rural households, livestock are an important source of food, income and economic security. Their loss therefore raises wider concerns about the protection of livelihoods, access to water, environmental safety and the responsibility of mining operations to prevent harm to surrounding communities. YESDA and BILAD community monitors continue documenting reported livestock losses and other mining-related rights concerns. They are calling for secure barriers around slime dams, alternative livestock water points, safe escape mechanisms, investigation of reported animal deaths, and appropriate remedy where responsibility is established.