They said it was unfair for diamonds to benefit only a few people from Marange and Zimunya. They argued that some areas did not have natural resources to empower their communities but were greatly affected by activities being carried out in Chiadzwa.
“We don’t have anything in Buhera, the place is dry and we need irrigation. We believe the province needs a single share ownership trust that is managed by professional people,” said Luke Muchuchu from Chief Nyashanu.
Maritha Mungazi, 39, said people from Chipinge East and Buhera were bearing the brunt of pollution by diamond mining companies.
“These mining companies are polluting the Odzi and Save Rivers where we get water, therefore funds generated from mining should be channeled towards developing communities downstream,” said Mungazi.
Agricultural Rural Development Authority board chairman, Basil Nyabadza, said the people were entitled to benefit from their natural resources, especially diamonds from Chiadzwa.
Nyabadza, who also sits in the Advisory board for Manicaland Business Action Group, said there is need to create a single share community ownership trust which should benefit the entire province.
“There are some areas without access to resources such as Buhera but they are also part of Manicaland province. They should also benefit from funds generated from Marange to improve their livelihood,” he said.
Post published in: News