Pumula residents criticise Zada Quarry Mine for poor community support

Residents of Pumula in Bulawayo have complained about Zada Quarry Mine, saying the company has failed to meaningfully support the community despite operating in the area for the past four years. Chairperson of the Pumula South Ward Development Committee, Trust Mkwananzi, said Zada Quarry Mine has done little for the community since it began operations. Mkwananzi also said the company does not communicate with residents.

“When we try to call them, they do not answer. They do not come to our meetings, and they do not listen to our problems. It feels like they do not care about the people living here,” said the chairperson.

Pumula suburb hosts ZADA Mine and Haulin Mine, which extract quarry from the area. Vice chairperson of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) for Ward 17, Nontando Ndiweni, said there is a stark difference between Zada and another quarry operator, Hualin, with the latter doing more. These complaints were raised on Thursday at a meeting held at Pumula North Hall in Bulawayo.

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Officials from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) were engaging residents as part of the process of renewing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate for Hualin Quarry Mine. This then meeting provided residents with an opportunity to share their views and concerns. Residents praised Hualin Quarry Mine for supporting the community, particularly young people.

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