A gold miner, David Kilpin of Jumbo 91 and 93 Block, is set to construct a primary school in Village 5 under Chief Bvute in Mberengwa as part of efforts to uplift the community.
The planned school, which will accommodate up to 450 pupils, is expected to ease the burden on children who currently travel long distances to access education, while also creating employment opportunities for locals.
Speaking during an interview at the mining site, Kilpin said the initiative was driven by a desire to promote development and improve living standards in the area.
“As an educationalist and professor, we engaged the local community to establish a school on one of my claims. The project is aimed at addressing key community needs, particularly access to education,” he said.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is scheduled for May this year.
“Education is the first port of call in shaping the future of the younger generation, and this initiative aligns with that vision,” Kilpin added.
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The mine, which has been operating for 13 years, employs more than 120 people and has played a significant role in supporting local livelihoods.
“We have maintained a strong relationship with the community. Our proximity has allowed us to positively impact lives through employment and development initiatives,” he said.
In addition to job creation, the mine is providing water to the community from one of its underground shafts. The water is being used for both household consumption and irrigation.
“The water is safe, and providing it is part of our commitment to giving back to the community,” Kilpin noted.
The company also says it is prioritising responsible mining practices. According to Kilpin, all mined-out pits have been rehabilitated to prevent accidents involving livestock, while fencing of the site is underway to enhance safety and reduce potential contamination.
“We are working in compliance with Environmental Management Agency (EMA) regulations. EMA continues to monitor our operations, and we ensure that we meet all required standards,” he said.
District development coordinator Vafios Hlabati confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring operations at the mine.
“We have assessed the site, and the situation is under control. We advised the miner to fence off the area to prevent livestock and schoolchildren from accessing hazardous substances such as cyanide,” Hlabati said.
Across Zimbabwe, mining companies and individuals are increasingly investing in community development projects such as schools and infrastructure as part of their social responsibility initiatives.
The Mberengwa project reflects a growing effort to balance mineral extraction with community development, environmental protection, and long-term socio-economic benefits.