Civic organisation, the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has formally petitioned the Parliament of Zimbabwe calling for urgent intervention over alleged environmental destruction and human rights violations linked to mining activities in Boterekwa, Shurugwi.
In a statement, the organisation said the petition reflects the “voices and lived experiences” of communities affected by what it described as unregulated and harmful extractive practices in the area.
The petition, grounded in constitutional provisions urges lawmakers to investigate the situation and hold both mining companies and regulatory authorities accountable.
Residents in Boterekwa have raised a range of concerns including severe environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and pollution from hazardous dust which they say is contributing to respiratory illnesses.
There are also fears over the unsafe use of chemicals such as cyanide, as well as contamination of water sources including the Mutevekwi River with heavy metals.
Some households have reportedly suffered structural damage to their homes due to mining-related blasting.
“These violations are not just environmental, they are a direct assault on community dignity, health, and livelihoods. The Constitution is clear: natural resources must benefit the people, not harm them” CNRG said.
Despite the presence of oversight bodies such as the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Environmental Management Agency, the organisation claims that mining operations in the area have failed to meet legal and environmental standards.
The petition calls on Parliament to exercise its oversight role by investigating the reported violations, enforcing compliance with environmental laws, and ensuring compensation for affected communities.
It also urges stronger regulation of artisanal mining activities and immediate measures to protect public health and the environment.
CNRG said the move forms part of a broader push to promote accountability and transparency in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector warning that rural communities continue to face “an avalanche of rights violations”, including land and water grabbing, pollution, and violence linked to mining operations.
The organisation is now calling on lawmakers to act decisively saying urgent intervention is needed to safeguard both livelihoods and the environment in Shurugwi.
