Residents of the mineral rich Mutoko district have voiced concern over the prolonged delay in completion of an administration block at a local Gurure secondary school, more than a decade after construction began supported by mining companies.
The concerns emerged during a recent community tour organised by a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) Rural Young Women Support Network, which brought together residents and national media to highlight the development challenges facing mining communities.
The initiative provided an opportunity for community members to share their experiences and concerns directly with journalists.
Participants said the administration block, whose construction started in 2010 through support from Mining companies, remains unfinished despite the passage of more than 10 years.
Community members described the delay as a major setback to the school's operations and called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene.
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"The building has stood incomplete for years, yet learners and teachers continue to operate without adequate administrative facilities," one resident Chipo Masunda said during the tour.
Residents expressed frustration that while mining activities continue in the area, surrounding communities have seen little improvement in essential infrastructure such as schools, health facilities and roads.
Speaking to the media soon after the tour, Rural Young Women Support Network Director Margret Chogugudza said her organisation is identifying social accountability monitors to help uphold the rights of citizens in the area.
‘’Women who are affected by the mining in their communities are engaging with policy makers which has resulted in them appreciating the challenges that women are facing in the mining areas,’’ she said.
She also lamented that mining-affected communities often struggle to attract national attention despite facing significant development challenges.
She urged government agencies, mining companies and development partners to prioritise community infrastructure projects and ensure promises made to local people are fulfilled.
The NGO said the media tour was intended to amplify the voices of communities affected by mining and encourage greater accountability from duty bearers. It noted that exposing such challenges through national media could help mobilise action to address long-standing development gaps.
Community members in Mutoko hope that companies such as Dragon, Zhengshen, ZIQ, CRG and Jindin.
Community members expressed hope that increased media coverage would accelerate the completion of the school administration block and improve service delivery in the area.