MUTARE —
Manicaland Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Chris Mushowe today warned local diamond mining companies operating in the region not to take people for granted by failing to fulfill their promises of bringing meaningful development, creating jobs and building the necessary infrastructure for local communities.
Speaking at a mines ministry policy workshop in Mutare, Mr. Mushowe cautioned the diamond mining firms of unspecified action from local communities if they do not meet their needs.
The governor said following President Robert Mugabe’s official visit in July last year on the launch of the Marange-Zimunya Community Ownership Trust along with six others dotted around the region, there is no change in the living standard of the local people.
Mr. Mushowe said the people’s patience is fast waning away because they are not benefiting from the multi-million dollar diamond industry in Zimbabwe.
He said it would be disastrous to let the situation in Marange diamond fields continue as it is right now as people are now agitated about not accessing proceeds from diamond sales.
At least four diamond mining firms including Mbada Diamonds, Anjin Investments and Marange Resources are operating in Marange.
Paul Jordan, a South-African based development consultant, told the workshop that Zimbabwe should ensure that the country’s natural resources are benefiting local people.
Speaking at a mines ministry policy workshop in Mutare, Mr. Mushowe cautioned the diamond mining firms of unspecified action from local communities if they do not meet their needs.
The governor said following President Robert Mugabe’s official visit in July last year on the launch of the Marange-Zimunya Community Ownership Trust along with six others dotted around the region, there is no change in the living standard of the local people.
Mr. Mushowe said the people’s patience is fast waning away because they are not benefiting from the multi-million dollar diamond industry in Zimbabwe.
He said it would be disastrous to let the situation in Marange diamond fields continue as it is right now as people are now agitated about not accessing proceeds from diamond sales.
At least four diamond mining firms including Mbada Diamonds, Anjin Investments and Marange Resources are operating in Marange.
Paul Jordan, a South-African based development consultant, told the workshop that Zimbabwe should ensure that the country’s natural resources are benefiting local people.
