"Daggers out for Bikita Minerals", 29 Jan 2017

Newly-elected Bikita West member of the National Assembly Cde Beauty Chabaya has said she will meet directors of Bikita Minerals to complain over the alleged company reluctance to support community projects as stipulated by the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act... "We are aware that Bikita Minerals rakes in a lot of revenue through exploiting resources in Bikita West but not doing anything for communities. The company must help in the construction of schools, clinics and roads, borehole drilling and rehabilitation. I will engage the company’s directors over the matter. If they are adamant they will risk losing their operating licence,” said Cde Chabaya... Bikita Minerals has the capacity to change the face of Bikita District through engaging in public private partnerships (PPPs) with the Government. “For any company to operate in this country, it gets the mandate from our Government with the understanding that there will be investment. Bikita Minerals which has been operating in the district for many years should comply with the laws of the land,” said Cde Chabaya. Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Cde Shuvai Mahofa said... “Despite introducing [community share ownership trust] CSOT some companies are not giving anything to the communities and we are disturbed. We expect companies to help develop areas they operate in.