Citizen participation in governance processes is not just a right; it’s a cornerstone of democracy and a vital part of our mission. The importance of collective citizen action on governance issues was demonstrated on October 18, 2024, during the post-screening discussion of the documentary “Time Bomb: The Impact of Urban Mining on the City of Bulawayo.”

145 residents (84 female and 61 male) at Pumula North Hall attending the documentary launch “Time Bomb: The Impact of Urban Mining on the City of Bulawayo.

Residents gathered to watch the documentary and voice their collective concerns about the urgent challenges posed by urban mining, which has escalated into a national crisis.

Urban mining has dire implications for communities, particularly concerning water scarcity. Mining activities in the Mzingwane catchment areas have created trenches that disrupt natural water flow, leading to stagnation and reduced water availability. The heavy trucks used in these operations have damaged road infrastructure, creating potholes and contributing to a growing sense of neglect in the community.

Rodrick, the manager of Hualin Quarry Private Limited, shares his thoughts during a post-documentary reflection session. The panel featured a diverse group of voices, including Rodrick (standing), Nothando Ndiweni from the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (sitting next to Rodrick), Ward 19 Councillor Lazarus Mphadwe (sitting next to Ndiweni), Ward 28 Councillor and Bulawayo Mayor representative, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (sitting next to Mphandwe), Trust Mkwananzi, Chairperson of the Pumula Development Committee (next to Ndlovu), and Sox the Poet, Accountability Lab Zimbabwe’s 2022 Film Fellow (sitting next to Mkhwanazi).

During the screening, residents from Pumula, Cowdray Park, and Parklands discussed the direct impacts of nearby mining activities, including rising incidence of asthma among children and cracked walls in their homes.

“The situation is alarming; the dust from mines within just a 5 km radius affects our kids’ health and disrupts community life”, says Celesile Ndlovu, Pumula resident.

Concerns about the impact of urban mining on host communities were came to light during an Integrity Innovation Lab’s community consultation, in September 2023. Discussing the responsibility of governance institutions in mining, participants discussed the unregulated nature of quarry mining in Pumula.

CivActs community engagements have found similar concerns in other areas of Bulawayo, including Parklands and Cowdray Park. These communities are grappling with similar issues, underscoring the need for a nationwide response.

While the documentary is centered on Bulawayo, the distribution of the issue shows that urban mining and its impact on the environment and health and well-being of host communities is an urgent national concern. Mayor David Coltart has been vocal about this issue in council meetings, explaining how riverbank mining contributes to siltation, reducing the availability of water in local dams.

Despite a government ban on alluvial and riverbank mining, the Mayor observed, “We need to see those words converted into action,” in a scene of the documentary.

Residents echoed this demand for accountability, calling for parliament to take concrete steps in addressing the plight caused by urban mining. During the discussion, residents asked for the relevant parliamentary committees to investigate these challenges and use findings to advocate for necessary changes. Greater involvement from parliamentarians is crucial, particularly in pushing for climate-smart and environmentally friendly mining practices.

The community made several proposals to tackle these issues. First, there is a strong call for a thorough review of existing policies and bylaws to safeguard residents’ interests. Additionally, stakeholders emphasize the need to rationalize urban mining zones within the city’s master plan to ensure safety and sustainability. Residents advocated for rejecting mining proposals that are too close to residential areas and for strengthening the enforcement of existing mining regulations. Additionally, participants suggested expanding the conversation on urban mining into a national dialogue, incorporating diverse voices and perspectives to enrich the discussion.

The documentary serves as a critical lens to understand the implications of urban mining—an issue that, if left unaddressed, could become a time bomb for not just Bulawayo, but for all of Zimbabwe.

The proposed solutions offer a pathway for co-creating sustainable strategies among residents, authorities, mining companies, and local leaders. Reflecting on the powerful insights shared during this event, it’s evident that active citizen participation is crucial in shaping the future of our communities.

Watch the full documentary on YouTube

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Bathabile Dlamini is the Media and Communications Officer at Accountability Lab Zimbabwe