National
Hwange underground fires: Govt vows ‘serious’ action amid probe by German firm
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The government has pledged to ensure that a lasting solution is found to the underground fires in Hwange town after a contract was awarded to a German company to investigate the problem.
Hwange residents have raised concern about the fires that have led to deaths of people and damage to infrastructure such as roads.
The fires erupted in areas owned by Hwange Colliery Company Liimited (HCCL) and the giant coal miner late last year hired the German company, DMT, to investigate the fires.
DMT is expected to finish its work at the end of March.
Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando told journalists during a recent tour of the affected areas that the government will ensure that action is taken once DMT submitted its recommendations.
Chitando addressing journalists in Hwange
“There is an issue of something happening underground and the consulting company said they need up until the end of March to finish their report, “Chitando.
“Afterwards, the government will ensure that serious action is taken to address the problem once and for all.”
HCCL was last month forced to issue a statement stating what it was going to curb the fires after pictures of damage on a road in the town caused by the fires circulated on social media.
The road, which links Makwika and Madumabisa villages, has since been closed.
A signpost warning residents about the prevalence of underground fires in Hwange
“They have engaged DNT, which is an international organisation tha specializes in cases of this nature to come and look at the possible exposures in the colliery’s old working facilities like in Number 2,” the minister added.
“There were reports of some instability (at the old colliery operating areas.
“So that engagement took place way before the reports, which circulated on social media, and its suffice to say that the international consultancy are here and their mandate is to fully investigate what happened.”
Chitando, however, said “the extent of the problem is a bit exaggerated.”
“In all fairness, I think there is a problem, make no mistake that’s why I am here, but the extent of the problem is probably a bit exaggerated,” he said.
“However, be that as it may, the fact that we have international experts who are involved shows the extent of the commitment, but I think let’s wait for their report and whatever they come up with after which decisive action will be taken.”
He said DMT was best suited for the job because it had done similar investigations around the world.
“They have done similar work in Asia, in the Middle East, so they are very experienced, “Chitando said
“They are looking at what caused that coal to come up and what is underneath and at this stage, indications are that there is no fire per ser.
“But there is some contamination to oxygen and some seams that seem to hold some coal near that area, so they will issue a report to make sure that whatever problem is there gets solved.
” It’s a matter which government takes seriously and it’s a matter that is being followed up, so at this stage we await what the consultancy will recommend”
This road was closed after it was damaged by the underground fires
Residents and civil society groups have been lobbying for quick intervention after the coal seam fires claimed the lives of several people and left others with permanent injuries.
In December, an eight-year-old Makwika girl was burnt to death by the fires at one of the company’s dumpsite areas.
HCCL managing director Charles Zinyemba said when the incident happened the girl, who was in the company of an adult had trespassed into a restricted area.
Zinyemba said the allegations that the deceased girl had walked over a kilometre to relieve herself due to poor service delivery was not true as the company supplied the residents with water every day.
To protect residents, Chitando said HCCL was carrying out awareness campaigns and also barricading the affected areas such as the Makwika road.
|
|
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.
-
Slider3 years agoInnscor launches brewery to produce Nyathi beer
-
National4 years agoIn perched rural Matabeleland North, renewable energy is vital
-
Opinion3 years agoA street art mural in Zimbabwe exposes a divided society
-
Tourism and Environment4 years agoStrive Masiyiwa’s daughter opens luxury Victoria Falls lodge
-
National2 years agoCommission of inquiry findings fail to be tabled as Victoria Falls councillors fight
-
National3 years agoVictoria Falls’ pilot dies in helicopter crash
-
National2 years agoHwange coal miner fires workers over salary dispute
-
National4 years agoVictoria Falls bartender gored to death by elephant