Government will move in swiftly to protect the shrines of
Mbuya Nehanda in Christon Bank overlooking the Mazowe Valley, which has been
invaded by illegal miners, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe
Kazembe has said.
The Christon Bank community has also raised alarm over the
Mazowe River, which is being contaminated by small-scale miners who use mercury
and cyanide in the extraction of gold.
The community appealed to Government to consider making the
valley and shrines tourist attractions.
According to the National Museums and Monuments of
Zimbabwe, the Mazowe Valley is a cultural and historical landscape worthy of
preservation as the sacred sanctuary of the spirit of Mbuya Nehanda, which led
the African struggle against colonialism in two major wars, the First and
Second Chimurenga.
Speaking during a tour of Mazowe Valley where Mbuya
Nehanda’s shrine is located, Minister Kazembe yesterday said Government will
not allow illegal miners to destroy such historical evidence.
“What we have witnessed here is shocking in any language
and we cannot allow this to carry on,” he said. “This area is where Mbuya
Nehanda used to live and there is archaeological evidence to confirm that and
there is even a cave she used.
“These are being destroyed by illegal miners and we cannot
allow this to carry on. This is very useful for historical evidence.
“There is also environmental degradation that is taking
place here and it is now dangerous for humans and our animals. All the soil
that is coming from the degraded land is going towards Mazowe River and that
will eventually affect Mazowe Dam. This must stop.”
Minister Kazembe said given that the new city centred
around the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden was around the corner, there
was need to curb all illegal activities in the area to keep water from Mazowe
Dam clean.
“So, something has to be done urgently to stop whatever is
going on here in the interest of our environment,” he said.
“We want also to sit down with the Ministry of Mines (and
Mining Development) and work together and see how best we can solve this
issue.”
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the area could be turned into a tourist
destination if it was protected from illegal miners.
“These illegal miners are doing more harm than good to the
environment,” he said. “They are wantonly cutting down trees and digging huge
pits in search of gold and this has to stop.
“Mazowe Valley is one of the most vital tourism sites in
the country, rich with vast natural resources ranging from dense forests, caves
and rock paintings, among other features. These are important for domestic and
international tourism.”
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi said
illegal mining in the Mazowe Valley was now a cause for serious concern,
requiring urgent intervention.
“This damage needs to be stopped,” he said. “There is need
for proper environmental management here.”
Christon Bank Environment and Tourism Association
chairperson Mr Angus Wakeling appealed to the Government to seriously consider
the community’s wish for the area to be an official tourism destination.
“The shrines and the scenic views are suitable for a
tourism destination,” he said. “As a community, we appeal to the Government to
consider this area. A lot of people visit this area for various activities like
mountain climbing.
“The country can benefit from these activities.” Herald
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