Concerns are mounting over Bulawayo’s worsening water crisis, with city authorities blaming mining activities, particularly those linked to a Chinese company operating along the Mzingwane River, as a major contributing factor. The concerns emerged during a recent Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committee meeting, where councillors and city officials debated persistent water shortages despite recent rainfall. Ward 22 Councillor, Mmeli Moyo, criticised the Chinese company for mining and processing gold along the riverbed.
“Residents needed to be informed about these activities so as to reduce expectations on trying to end the water crisis in the city,” Moyo said in the latest council minutes. Moyo called on Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart, to escalate the matter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Coltart echoed the concerns, describing the situation as “alarming and unsustainable.” He revealed that a borehole had been discovered within the riverbed itself, which was an unusual and controversial development.
“Mtshabezi Dam is now spilling. Mtshabezi and Mzingwane rivers share the same catchment area, less than five kilometres apart. Mtshabezi is spilling because there are no mining activities on its riverbed.” Coltart added that efforts were underway to engage the parent ministry as well as the Office of the President and Cabinet.
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Across Zimbabwe, concerns have repeatedly been raised over the environmental impact of some foreign-led mining operations, including those run by Chinese firms. Regulators, communities, and environmental groups have cited riverbed mining, which alters natural water flow, along with siltation from excavation and soil dumping, and chemical pollution from gold processing, particularly involving mercury and cyanide.
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