Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO – The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa to urgently intervene in mining activities at the iconic tourist attraction Christmas Pass in Mutare, warning that continued operations could result in irreversible environmental degradation and pose risks to surrounding communities.
The petition, submitted to the Office of the President and Cabinet on August 03, calls for the immediate suspension of mining activities pending an independent investigation into the legality of the operations and compliance with environmental laws.
According to CNRG, the Government should uphold Section 73 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, while ensuring that environmental legislation is fully enforced.
The organisation is also demanding a comprehensive review of all mining licences, permits and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals issued for the area.
Among its recommendations are independent investigations into compliance with Environmental Management Agency (EMA) directives, environmental and geotechnical assessments to protect affected communities, and consideration of declaring Christmas Pass a protected environmental and heritage site.
CNRG Communications and Advocacy Officer Donald Nyarota said the petition was prompted by growing concern over the continued degradation of Christmas Pass and the risks mining activities pose to nearby communities.
“We are calling for urgent presidential intervention to halt environmentally destructive mining activities at Christmas Pass. The Government must uphold Section 73 of the Constitution, enforce environmental laws and protect one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic natural heritage sites from irreversible environmental damage,” said Nyarota.
He said the organisation was also calling for the immediate suspension of mining operations pending an independent investigation, a review of all mining licences, permits and Environmental Impact Assessment approvals, independent investigations into compliance with Environmental Management Agency directives, protection of affected communities through environmental and geotechnical assessments, and consideration of declaring Christmas Pass a protected environmental and heritage area.
In the petition addressed to President Mnangagwa, CNRG said the situation at Christmas Pass requires urgent intervention to safeguard both the environment and public safety.
“Today, we respectfully submit that the situation unfolding at Christmas Pass Mountain in Mutare demands your urgent intervention to safeguard the rule of law, public safety and Zimbabwe’s natural heritage,” the petition reads.
The organisation said the submission follows growing concern from residents, civil society organisations and environmental defenders over the continued degradation of Christmas Pass and the potential dangers mining activities pose to surrounding communities.
