By A Correspondent

A sudden and unexpected surge of water from Ran Mine in Bindura sent shockwaves through the Chipadze community on Friday morning, sparking concerns about potential contamination and health risks.

The chaos unfolded after heavy rains pounded Bindura on Thursday night, causing floodwaters to overflow into homes and churches in Chipadze. Residents were caught off guard, and many expressed fears about contamination, given the water’s origin from the nearby mine.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying scene, recounting how the water suddenly gushed from the mine’s dam, flooding the church and nearby homes. “This happened around 3 am, and we were shocked to see water flowing from the mine,” a concerned resident said. “We’ve lived here for years and never seen anything like this. Where will we get drinking water? How will we bathe?”

The incident has exposed the government’s incompetence in addressing the country’s poor drainage systems. The lack of proper infrastructure has left residents vulnerable to flooding and potential health risks.

In response to concerns about chemical contamination, Ran Mine’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Jack Murehwa, reassured residents that the mine’s location on a hill means the water is primarily run-off. He added that tests have been conducted, and no contamination has been detected.

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intervened, with its spokesperson telling state media that the agency is working with stakeholders to address safety concerns. “We’re working together to neutralize the affected area,” the spokesperson said.

However, the incident has raised questions about the government’s ability to provide basic services, including proper drainage systems. The poor state of infrastructure has left many communities vulnerable to flooding and other disasters.

As the community struggles to come to terms with the sudden flooding, concerns about the poor drainage system and potential health risks linger. Residents are calling for urgent action to prevent similar incidents in the future and for the government to take responsibility for its incompetence in addressing the country’s infrastructure challenges.