TINASHE MAKICHI
ZANU-PF legislator for Silobela constituency, Mtokozisi Manoki Mpofu, has engaged gold producer, Jena Mines over concerns raised by the community, Business Times can report.
Some of the issues discussed at the meeting between Mpofu and Jena Mine manager, Denton Chabayadzara, included the need for the mine to retain the current workers, offer redundant claims to local community, provision of water taps in the community and provision of a mobile vehicle for Covid-19 vaccination programme.
Jena Mine, used to be owned by government through the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation. But was recently acquired by Landela Mining Venture, an investment vehicle linked to business mogul, Kuda Tagwireyi.
” ….Let me assure you that we have a manager (Denton Chabayadzara) who is prepared to work closely with Silobela community,” Mpofu said.
Mpofu said that there was commitment by Chabayadzara on redundant claims to be availed to the local community.
The legislator said the proposal will, however, be forwarded through various structures of the company since the mine is now a private company.
Mpofu also said that the mine manager promised to have Jena Mine engineers and local leaders work together on the proposal to have water taps for livestock and domestic use in the community.
“The mine also accepted my proposal for them to consider supporting school girls with sanitary pads, exercise books, pens etc. There was also a proposal to provide food hampers for the elderly in the community, requirements list should be submitted and when funds are available it will definitely be actioned,” Mpofu said.
The mine manager however bemoaned the high staff turnover especially on local workers and absenteeism which could jeopardise the revival strategy and encouraged stakeholders to help in ensuring commitment to work by the local employees.
