He said local mines, especially those mining diamonds in Chiadzwa, had not done enough in terms of infrastructural development in communities.
“If we go to Zimplats in Mashonaland West there is development. The area is growing, but that’s where they are mining. The issue is how do they transcend that so that the development is felt in areas such as Hwange, Binga or Kariba?” said Huggins. Mines and Mining Development parliamentary portfolio Chairperson, Edward Chindori Chininga, concurred saying the infrastructure development was only found where mining activities were taking place. “We need that development to be spread so that it is felt elsewhere and there is something coming out of platinum and diamonds across the country,” said Chindori Chininga.
The Guruve South legislator said local people should have access to loans to develop themselves and their communities. “People should be able to borrow and start their businesses,” he said.
He cited Marange as an example where millions of dollars were being realised from the mining of diamonds but there was no visible development taking place. “Miners could actually develop a town where banks and services can be brought so the people of Manicaland can see positive development,” he said.
Post published in: Business