New Homes For Guruve Families Relocated During Eureka Gold Mine Expansion

By Advent Shoko

Thirty-three newly built homesteads in Mbome Village, Guruve District, were officially commissioned on Monday, marking another milestone in the ongoing relocation programme linked to the Eureka Gold Mine expansion project. The houses, each comprising four rooms, a stand-alone kitchen, and separate toilet and bathroom facilities, were constructed to accommodate families moved from Muroiwa and Mazhambe villages. Since 2023, a total of 55 modern homesteads have now been built for affected families.

The relocation process stems from the revival and expansion of Eureka Gold Mine, one of Zimbabwe’s largest open-pit gold mining operations, situated near Guruve. After years of inactivity, the mine resumed large-scale operations in 2018 under Dallaglio Investments, following significant investment aimed at boosting national gold output. To pave way for expanding operations and associated infrastructure, communities residing on designated mining land had to be moved.

 

Relocations are often contentious in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, but in this case, government and company officials stressed the importance of providing decent, sustainable housing as part of compensation. The new homesteads are designed to improve living conditions compared to the often rudimentary structures in the original villages. Families have also been assured access to water points, schools, and health facilities within the broader relocation plan.

During earlier phases, some community members expressed anxiety over leaving ancestral lands and grave sites. Traditional leaders were engaged in consultations to conduct cultural rites and ensure continuity of heritage. Authorities have promised further support to help resettled families adapt, including livelihood assistance, as many of the affected households were small-scale farmers.

The Eureka expansion is part of Zimbabwe’s broader push to boost mining output under the “US$12 billion mining industry” vision. The mine alone is expected to produce several tonnes of gold annually, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign currency earnings. However, projects of this scale have also raised debates over balancing economic growth with social safeguards.

For now, the commissioning of the Mbome Village houses marks a tangible step in resettling displaced families under improved conditions. Officials highlighted that the initiative reflects an effort to ensure mining development does not come at the expense of community welfare.

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