Fortunate Tsitsi Basera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMvZMtvlDug
Residents of Murape Village in Ward 11, Bikita West, have gathered with public officials to address the pressing issue of water scarcity exacerbated by mining operations in their community. The meeting, facilitated by the Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA), highlighted the devastating impact of a slime dam constructed by Sinomine Resource Group Bikita Minerals, Zimbabwe’s largest lithium producer.

The slime dam has cut off access to water for approximately 100 households that previously relied on a well at Nollen Farm.

“We are facing acute water shortages due to the construction of the slime dam at the water edges, forcing families to abandon their homes without receiving any compensation from the mining company.”

Affected families are now forced to fetch water from a contaminated canal, posing serious health risks.

“Murape is my home, I was raised here. We are now forced to travel over 4km to access clean water. It has become a struggle that requires both men and women to work together. We want water in our village.”

YESDA has vowed to facilitate a dialogue meeting between villagers, Bikita Minerals management, and public officials to find community-centered, environmentally friendly, and sustainable solutions to the conflict.

“As YESDA, we are committed to supporting the Murape community in finding a solution to this water crisis. We believe that dialogue and collaboration are key to resolving this issue and ensuring the well-being of local residents and environmental sustainability,” said a YESDA representative.

Mountain Mujakachi of the Bikita Institute of Land and Development (BILAD) criticized Bikita Minerals for disregarding the community’s major concerns.

“Bikita Minerals is ignoring the community’s major concerns, which is constitutionally unacceptable. The villagers are facing water shortages, and the mine promised water to the villagers but has not fulfilled that up to date.”

The situation in Murape Village highlights the need for immediate action to address the water crisis and ensure the well-being of local residents and environmental sustainability.