National
Hwange Colliery Company acts on deadly underground fires
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The Hwange Colliery Company (HCCL) has contracted a top German engineering company to find solutions to underground coal fires that led to the death of several residents in the town and have begun to pose a risk to infrastructure.
Charles Zinyemba, HCCL managing director, revealed that the German firm only identified as DTM had started work in November this year but was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As part of long-term mitigation measures, Hwange Colliery Company has since contracted a German based specialist company to assist with necessary interventions,” Zinyemba said in a statement on December 24.
“The organisation is among the best engineering teams in the world, who have intervened in coal seam fires such as we are experiencing.
“DTM works scheduled to commence in November 2021 were stalled by Covid challenges but are now sure to commence in the first quarter of 2022.”
DTM is the only company, which offered its services for managing the fires using modern and cost-effective methods among other companies, which HCCL consulted, he added.
“DTM provided the edge through comprehensive solutions to include:- – sub surface fire detection, – location of hotspots, – magnetic mapping of underground fires, – seismo-acoustic of the fire centres and depth, – laser scanning of underground cavities, – crack mapping and rock mechanical analysis, – planning and supervision of injection campaigns including type of the injection slurry, – devising extinguishing strategies and workflow,” Zinyemba added.
“We have confidence that put together, all the above interventions will soon absolutely contain the spontaneous fires, all to the best interest of the Hwange citizenry and related stakeholders.”
Undergound coal fires have destroyed a section of the road linking the Number 2 and 3 villagers in Hwange
Zinyemba issued after a picture of the damage caused by underground fires on the road linking Number 2 and Number 3 villages in Hwange circulated on social media.
The MD said HCCL had rolled out several strategies to protect residents against the underground fires.
“We wish to draw attention to Hwange community and the general public at large that Hwange Colliery Company is very much alive to the underground fires in our concessions,” Zinyemba said.
“As a precautionary measure, campaigns were and will continue to be carried out in schools and villages.
“Tribal elders were engaged to assist in disseminating this information to the villagers.
“Communities in close proximity to the affected areas were and will continue to be informed of temporary measures to manage risks such as:- road diversions to Number 3 village, barricading as well as placement of signages at the affected areas.
“In addition, HCCL has invested in a drone that has a thermal camera for security purposes and identification of underground fires.”
An eight-year-old Hwange girl Alisha Sekina Muzviti died early this month after he was badly burnt by the seam coal fires.
Several other people have died in the past after they were burnt by the fires in concessions owned by HCCL.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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