Staff Reporter

A section of war veterans in Kwekwe is blocking the construction of a new school for stranded Globe and Phoenix pupils at a new site arguing it falls within their mining claim.

The war veterans under the banner Magamba Mining Syndicate have taken a stand against the construction of a new school saying that the proposed site for the school infringes upon their mining rights as they allege they own the area under ALFA G7191 mining block.

In a letter gleaned by this publication addressed to Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu, jointly signed by Ezabela Kurasha and George Kurasha, the war veterans claim that the land was allocated to them in 2018 hence no construction work should take place.

“We of Magamba Mining Syndicate do hereby object to the construction of the primary school on Mining Block ALFA G7191 since it is a mining block that was allocated to us in 2018 for mining purposes.

We as war veterans were empowered by government policy. The space they are taking from us will be required for dumping and building of ming offices,” the letter reads.

The war veterans also said mining operations will also affect the school if it is constructed near their mine.

The letter stated that they are acting within their legal rights and adhering to mining rights.

The proposed new site was given to the school by Kuvimba Mining House which took over Homestake Mine. Hundreds of Globe and Phoenix Primary School pupils were left stranded after a classroom block caved into a mine shaft in March.

The pupils are currently housed at Sally Mugabe Primary School where they are learning in makeshift tents.

This publication is yet to ascertain the validity of the Magamba Mining Syndicate claim.