Residents in Shurugwi have raised concern over the destruction of heritage and natural sites, which are increasingly being converted into mining areas, limiting public access and threatening potential tourism revenue.
Shurugwi Residents and Ratepayers Association Executive Director, Pardon Machocho, says the situation is costing the country valuable income that could be generated from tourism.
Speaking during a workshop convened by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) in Gweru, Machocho highlighted that sites such as Danraven Falls, once a popular attraction, are now inaccessible due to ongoing mining operations.
“Zimbabwe is losing potential revenue from tourist sites like Danraven Falls, which are now off-limits to visitors because of mining activities,” he said.
Machocho warned that the continued encroachment of mining into culturally and environmentally significant areas not only deprives local communities of tourism benefits but also erodes the country’s natural heritage.
Residents say the situation reflects a growing conflict between extractive activities and conservation, with calls mounting for stronger protection of heritage sites and clearer regulation of mining operations.
The concerns were raised as stakeholders gathered to discuss transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management in the mining sector.
