The government has restated its commitment to the “Polluter Pays Principle,” aimed at making those responsible for environmental damage in the mining sector fully accountable for restoring affected ecosystems.
Speaking after this week’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the principle would be strengthened through new regulations and improvements to the current legal framework. He said:
“The enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024 is ongoing, with most provinces reporting significant progress in operations to eliminate alluvial mining.
“Since alluvial mining has largely ceased, attention has now shifted to the rehabilitation of degraded sites, with liability for the rehabilitation being borne by the perpetrators through the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’.
“To enforce this aspect, the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ shall be strengthened through the development of appropriate regulations and the strengthening of the existing legislative framework.
“The legislative reform shall be expedited to ensure environmental justice and accountability in view of public interest.”
Muswere added that no alluvial mining sites in need of rehabilitation were identified in Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Bulawayo, or Harare provinces.
Pindula WhatsApp Channel
Facebook Page
Leave a Reply