ZCA Launches R500 000 environmental project

Sibongile Dube 

HWANGE-The Zimbabwe Christian Alliance has launched its new project that focuses on preventing environmental damage, holding mining companies to account and amplifying the voices of the marginalized voices in  light of problems caused by mining.

ZCA indicated that it will work with Ingagula, Madumabisa, Dinde, Mashala, Makomo and Hwange town  communities in curbing environmental issues and is partnering with Southern Africa Trust (SAT) on this important initiative. SAT is funding the project to the tune of R500 000, aimed at empowering communities.

Communities for Environment Action is the project’s title and the target area is Hwange.

Speaking at the launch and inception of the project at the Salvation Army Church in Hwange, Reverend Useni Sibanda the Director of Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA)  said  churches believe that God gave mankind an important role of stewardship over all resources including the environment.

“Our natural resources are the engine for economic growth for our nation and provide livelihoods for our communities. The intersection of the need to have sustainable economic growth through exploitation of natural resources and good stewardship pushed us to start this project,” he said.

Rev. Sibanda said churches are keen to build capacity in local communities and  to ensure responsible and sustainable exploitation of natural resources by mining entities.

“In Hwange we have had many challenges on issues of pollution of water sources for communities and their livestock. Deka River still continues to be a source of polluted water and health hazard to our communities and livestock.

ZCA through its church structures here in Hwange and surrounding churches revealed that there is need to have a process that will address all these environmental challenges that we are facing.

This project will have a component of communities holding the mining companies to account and  ensuring that exploitation of natural resources is done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Zimbabwe has committed itself to climate change and environmental protection which is part of our constitutional obligations but also as a nation we have signed up to international protocols that we must adhere to,” said Rev. Sibanda

ZCA has also engaged traditional leaders as well as various stakeholders in Hwange such as the Environmental Management Agency , the District Development Coordinator, CEO of Hwange Rural District Council, Bishops and other Church leaders, Government line ministries and ZCA Hwange Hub leadership for project implementation.

Mining has taken priority over other pressing development challenges in the area and the responsible authorities have failed to be transparent about coal mining grants and licences.