Kwekwe is currently facing a crisis of collapsing buidlings that are being caused by illegal mining activities by “makorokoza”.

These underground activities have resulted in the creation of extensive tunnels, some of which reach depths of up to 1.5 kilometers beneath the city’s central business district and residential areas. This poses a grave danger to both the residents and the infrastructure of Kwekwe. A recent study conducted by the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) utilized advanced geospatial mapping techniques to uncover the extent of these hazardous excavations. The findings of the study are alarming, revealing a sprawling network of tunnels that undermine crucial support pillars necessary for the city’s structural stability.

An anonymous ZINGSA official expressed concern over the severity of the situation, stating, “Our findings indicate that these illegal activities are compromising the structural integrity of buildings and could lead to disastrous collapses.” The government has vowed to take action against illegal mining operations and is exploring ways to reinforce affected structures and monitor high-risk areas. However, for many residents of Kwekwe, these assurances come too late. The damage already inflicted serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of prioritizing immediate economic gains over environmental and structural preservation.