Gvt to introduce a Command Agriculture like principle to mining
The government has pledged to come up with a mining support programme for the artisanal small-scale mining sector which will operate more or less on the principle of Command Agriculture.
By Shantel T Chisango
Speaking at a Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) meeting held Thursday at Rainbow Towers, Mines and Mining Development Minister Honorable Winston Chitando said that the government has resolved to create a support program for miners similar to Command Agriculture.
“Cabinet agreed to come up with a mining support program for artisanal and small-scale mining which will operate more or less on the principle of the Command Agriculture,” said Chitando.
He further assured miners that support was imminent since the matter was discussed at a cabinet meeting held two weeks ago.
“That was agreed and announced at a cabinet meeting two weeks ago. There will be support to the artisanal and small-scale mining sector,” he added.
He further mentioned that the government is not excluding the disabled from the mining supporting program but has rather created a desk that will meet their needs.
“There are a number of issues related to people with disabilities and we created a special desk and that desk will also cover the women and the youth’s interests.”
During the meeting, Chitando applauded ZMF for being a line of communication regarding what will be transpiring in the small-scale sector, since it represents small-scale mining.
Chitando said that the government engages with ZMF and the Chamber of Mines when in need of speculating issues happening in the small-scale mining sector, and he thanked the two organizations for making the government’s work easier.
“When we have an assessment of what is happening in the sector, we engage these two organisations and it is important that members channel their views to these two organisations. It makes sit easier for us as the ministry. Just imagine if we were to engage the 45 000 miners on an individual basis,” he said.
Chitando lastly alluded to the role being played by the small-scale sector and its importance in the achievement of the 12 billion dollar goal.