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Blessings Chidakwa in Chakari
problems bedevilling the community in the former mining town of Chakari will be addressed urgently, Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga (Retired) has said. Chief among the problem is the imminent eviction of former mine workers at Rio Zim Mine. Addressing thousands of Zanu-PF supporters gathered at Chakari Stadium recently, VP Chiwenga expressed sadness over the plight of former workers.

The Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi had raised the workers’ problems.

“Chakari, which falls under Sanyati administration, has the highest numbers of registered voters in the province — 35 000. It has always been our stronghold over the years, however, we are saddened by the development that the new owners of the mine plan to evict the former employees,” he said.

Cde Ziyambi said it was their hope Rio Zim employs the former workers. However, Vice President Chiwenga assured the miner that Government would address the issue sooner rather than later.

“I am saddened by the squabbles between Rio Zim and former employees at the mine. These people should benefit first. I will liaise with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Webster Shamu and Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to resolve the issue,” he said.

He also called on Cde Ziyambi, who also oversees the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, to make sure the issue is resolved without legal implications. Vice President Chiwenga also implored artisanal miners to engage in formal mining for the country’s benefit.

“Artisanal miners should do their activities formally. We do not want any reported cases of miners trapped underground. Government is also setting up gold centres across the country to enable artisanal miners to sell their gold locally,” he said.