MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-The Boterekwa escapement, once a breathtaking natural wonder, has transformed into a perilous death trap for the local community as irresponsible mining practices take hold in the district.
This scenic stretch of rugged terrain, known for its towering cliffs, is now the site of numerous mining operations that have left the landscape scarred and the surrounding areas treacherous.
For generations, the Boterekwa escapement has been a source of pride and admiration for the people of Shurugwi.
The dramatic landscape, formed by millions of years of geological activity, had become a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.
However, in recent years, the area has fallen victim to the relentless pursuit of mineral wealth, with mining companies aggressively expanding their operations without due regard for the environmental and social consequences.
The once-pristine trails and tranquil mountainous landscape have been replaced by a maze of haphazard mining pits and unstable slopes.
“It’s heartbreaking to see Boterekwa becoming a dangerous place, and our community is paying the price,” lamented Bulle Madzitire, Shurugwi Residents and Ratepayers Association chairperson.
The mining activities have not only scarred the landscape but have also posing a grave threat to the safety of the locals worse still young kids.
Numerous abandoned mines and poorly secured excavations are dotted around the once scenic Boterekwa, creating a treacherous environment for those who wanted to enjoy the natural beauty of the escapement.
The environmental impact of the mining operations has also been severe.
The delicate ecosystems that once thrived in the Boterekwa escapement have been irreparably damaged, with polluted streams, deforestation, and the displacement of wildlife.
The once-lush vegetation that clung to the cliffs has been stripped away, leaving the slopes vulnerable to erosion and landslides.
“Not just the physical landscape that has been destroyed. The cultural and spiritual connection our people have with this place has been shattered. In 10years time it will be a shadow of it’s former self,” said Madzitire.
“Boterekwa was a sacred site, a place of healing and reflection. Now, it’s a dangerous, scarred reminder of the greed and disregard that has consumed our community,” he added.
Despite the efforts of local activists and concerned citizens, the mining companies have continued to expand their operations, driven by the promise of lucrative mineral deposits.
The government, caught between the need for economic development and the preservation of the country’s natural heritage, has struggled to find a balance that would protect the Boterekwa escapement and its people.
“We can’t keep sacrificing our natural wonders for the sake of short-term profits,” says Madzitire. “Boterekwa is a part of our identity, our history, and our future. We will be engaging all stakeholders to find a way to save it, before it’s too late.”
Madzitire added that silicosis (a type of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in sand, quartz and many other types of rock. Silicosis mainly affects workers exposed to silica dust in jobs such as construction and mining) cases are on the rise and there is a need for the government to step in and protect both mine employees and the public in general.
As the sun sets over the scarred cliffs of the Boterekwa escapement, the people of Shurugwi are left to grapple with the consequences of a broken promise.
A once-cherished natural wonder transformed into a deadly trap, a tragic testament to the relentless pursuit of wealth at the expense of the land and its people.
Minister of State for the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube has been on record urging mining companies to practice responsible extraction of natural resources.
