Mutare City Council is considering applying for a diamond mining concession in Marange, a move that is likely to boost the perennially empty coffers of this eastern border local authority.
Mutare mayor Brian James told NewsDay the city was keen to own a diamond concession in partnership with Chiadzwa community.
“We resolved sometime that as council, we should always try to find a mining concession on behalf of Mutare residents in partnership with Chiadzwa residents.
“We are very confident that we will get one. We engaged the Minister of Local Government to support our application and he is very interested in doing that,” said James.
He added that councillors and management will soon draw up an application and submit it to the relevant ministry for consideration. Several calls have been made by senior government officials and various civic organisations recommending that Manicaland Province should benefit directly from the Chiadzwa proceeds.
James said a mining concession on behalf of council and Chiadzwa residents is one possible way Manicaland could benefit from diamond resources.
“Residents have a right to benefit from these diamonds and a partnership between Mutare and Chiadzwa will be handy in improving our areas,” he added.
