Mutare River is not poisoned-ZINWA

Martin Muleya 
CHIPINGE TIMES REPORTER

MUTARE-The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has dispelled rumours that it stopped pumping water from the Mutare River because of Cyanide from gold mines in the Penhalonga area. 
ZINWA spokesperson Marjorie Munyonga said they stopped pumping water to remove oil from mining activities.
“It was not cyanide contamination but oil pollution from a certain mine. The water supply situation is under control as we speak. We urge our residents not to press the panic button as our engineers are now on top of the situation,” said Munyonga.
Odzi residents panicked after unverified reports that ZINWA suspended pumping water owing to Cyanide in the river. 
Cyanide is a poisonous chemical used in gold leaching. It destroys the environment, water bodies and aqua and wildlife. 
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) provincial manager Kingston Chitotombe said the river is polluted with turbidity (mud, stones and other debris).
“Mutare River is polluted with turbidity as a result of the mining activities taking place at Penhalonga. This turbidity is currently present at every point you cross the river. So far there are no tests that have been conducted to ascertain the presence of Cyanide in the river,” Chitotombe said.