Zimbabwe: MPs Witness Acid From Mine Flowing Into River During Visit to Pollution Hotspots

What the report says

Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife has seen evidence of acid mine drainage flowing into the Deka River during an oversight visit to pollution hotspots in Hwange, according to New Zimbabwe via AllAfrica. The committee’s inspection came after presentations from mining companies and other stakeholders and was intended to verify reports about contamination on the ground.

The Environmental Management Agency guided lawmakers through the affected areas and outlined the sources and spread of the pollution downstream. During the tour, MPs also reviewed mitigation steps that operators say they are taking to limit environmental damage. Acid mine drainage is known to be highly corrosive and can harm aquatic life, affect groundwater and reduce the quality of water used by nearby communities.

The Deka River is an important water source in Hwange for household use, livestock and irrigation. The committee said the visit would help it prepare recommendations on environmental protection, pollution control and sustainable mining practices. It is also expected to inform possible enforcement measures, including tighter monitoring, rehabilitation obligations and penalties for non-compliance, when Parliament resumes.

The report said communities along the river have long complained about discoloured water, dying vegetation and declining fish stocks, which they link to mining waste. The visit fits into Parliament’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of the extractives sector and improve environmental safeguards.