Boterekwa turned into a death trap as mining activities leave gaping holes, ditches on main road
Mining activities in and around the Boterekwa area, one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic and scenic views, have created a death trap for motorists as holes and ditches on the main road are now visible.
Small-scale miners, commonly referred to as makorokoza and Chinese-owned companies have in the past decade descended on the area which up until that time had been maintained in its natural state, minus the road that passes through.
Trucks carrying heavy loads of gold ore and soil coupled with illegal activities have damaged the area, with holes and dangerous ditches seen this week forcing the government to act.
“Illegal mining activities are causing damage to our road infrastructure!
Currently, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane Road (Boterekwa area) is affected. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is working to repair the road by tomorrow,” said the Transport Ministry on X, formerly Twitter.
#MidlandsProvince
Illegal mining activities are causing damage to our road infrastructure!
Currently, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane Road (Boterekwa area) is affected. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is working to repair the road by tomorrow.#PreserveOurRoads pic.twitter.com/DSZ1KH8qC1
— Ministry of Transport – Zimbabwe (@MinistryofTID) December 4, 2024
Attempts to blame illegal miners by the ministry were disputed by X users who said the ruling Zanu PF party and Chinese were squarely responsible for the mess that has degraded the area’s beautiful mountains and valleys.
“Half-hearted, tepid statement. We all know who is causing this damage to the roads but of course you would not dare touch on that,” said Lancie Sekos.
“Boterekwa as we knew it is no more. We have Zanu PF thugs and the Chinese (who would never do this in their own country lest they face the firing squad).”
Various sections of the Shurugwi to Mhandamabwe road have in the past ten years collapsed due to activities in the area while a two-roomed house once fell into one of the trenches whose network now threatens the very survival of Boterekwa.
