The $50 million Zimunya-Marange trust, which is arguably the biggest in the country, suffered a stillbirth when five diamond mines: Mbada Diamonds, Anjin Investments, Diamond Mining Company, Marange Resources and Genyame, failed to release $2,8 million to kick start the project.
Traditional leaders from Zimunya-Marange who attended the Zimbabwe Local Government Association Third Biennial Conference 2013 from May 9-11 demanded to know why the funds had not been released.
“We want to know why it is taking so long for the diamond mining companies to release funds into the trust coffers,” said one traditional leader. A City of Mutare Councillor asked the minister why people in Mutare continued to live in abject poverty when the city was located 70 km away from the diamond fields.
Kasukuwere was at pains to give a satisfactory response. He said the failure of mining companies to fulfill their commitment was giving them ‘sleepless nights’ as a ministry. “Your funds are coming. The community trust has been registered and approved. I understand your concern. We are together in this. Everyone who needs to make the decision in regard to this matter has been consulted. I am sure it will start benefitting you soon,” said Kasukuwere.
Speaking at the same event, Mutare Acting Mayor, George Jerrison, said the city was facing many challenges. He pleaded with President Robert Mugabe to tour the Mutare industrial site, which has collapsed as a result of the economic meltdown. Jerrison also said although the Manicaland province had vast deposits of diamonds, the benefits had not been felt at a community level.
“Mutare should benefit from the discovery of diamonds,” said Jerrison. He added that funds being generated from Marange could help to resuscitate companies such as Mutare Board and Paper Mills, Karina Textiles and Cairns.
Post published in: News