MINING workers unions have raised concern over employees’
safety after President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave reprieve for the sector to
operate during the national lockdown.
Zimbabwe Diamonds Allied Workers Union secretary-general
Justice Chinhema said opening up mines could jeopardise the health of the
workers.
“Employers have not been meeting minimum standards of
safety before this pandemic and now with this where protective methods are a
must to reduce the spread of the disease, majority of poor workers are
literally being sent to the slaughter house as their health is at risk,” he
said.
Mnangagwa said mining operations should be “within
parameters set by the World Health Organisation regarding social distancing and
other public health safety measures”.
Chinhema urged workers to report rights and safety violations.
“Majority of workers unions who should be seen monitoring
and enforcing the health safety guidelines are not allowed to be at workplaces,
making it very impossible to enforce these regulations,” he said.
Zimbabwe Miners Federation Mashonaland West provincial
chairperson Chiedza Chipangura said the move ensured business continuity.
“The mining sector has potential to keep our economy
running. During the lockdown period most of the gold that was part of illicit
financial flows in mining sector will find its way into government coffers
through Fidelity due to limited movement of foreigners who are mostly illegal
buyers,” she said.
“The country needs to boost its gold reserves through a
continuous production and supply. It is time for the country to utilise its own
resources for survival.” Newsday
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