Photo Credit: Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG)
After contracting a Germany company, DMT Group to assess the extent of underground fires in Hwange, no report or update have been given to residents two years down the line. Children remain the most affected as communities live in danger.
Onita Sibanda
Hwange: Sihlobosenkosi Nyoni, a 7-year-old boy from Madumabisa Village in Hwange, bravely shared his harrowing experience of survival after missed death with a whisker. He revealed the scars on his hands and legs, a powerful reminder of the tragedy he endured. His small voice trembled as he recounted the painful experience.
“The heat was too much and I could feel the pain. I couldn’t understand what was happening. That’s all I remember,” he recalled.
In September 2019, when Sihlobosenkosi was just 4 years old, he chased after donkeys that had wandered into his residential area. Unbeknown to him, the ground below his feet concealed underground fires burning fiercely beneath the coal covered surface. As he reached the area, the intense heat emanating from the hidden blazes engulfed him, forcing him to make a desperate attempt to escape.
With nowhere to run, Sihlobosenkosi tried to balance himself on his hands, but the scorching ground was unforgiving. He suffered severe burns to both his feet and hands, leaving him with physical and emotional scars that still linger today.
“We are living in fear as the fires are erupting everywhere. Our safety is at stake, and we are no longer comfortable even loitering in the bushes, not to mention the hotspots close to residential areas. Kids playgrounds are now death traps due to these fires. Many children have suffered burns while playing,” Letwin Gundiro, a resident expressed her concerns.
The coal mining town has experienced underground fires in recent years, the fires have been spreading, putting the entire community of Madumabisa and Makwika Village at risk. An 8-year-old child died in 2022 after sustaining serious injuries. She had gone to a neighboring bush near an abandoned mine dump to releive herself when the ground gave way beneath her feet, severely burning her chest, stomach, and both legs.
“They promised to engage a German company which was going to try and extinguish the main fire hole along Madumabisa and Makwika road up to now we haven’t received any update on the issue,” added Gundiro.
In 2022, the Germany company, DMT GROUP, mining consultants were commissioned by Hwange Colliery Limited (HCCL) to investigate the cause of underground fires in the mining town. The company was expected to finish the investigation and present their extinguishing strategy to the colliery management and the Government in March the same year. Since then nothing has been shared to the public and the affected communities.
In many instances, children have been left suffering severe burns, and even loss of life, due to underground fires. Residents in the affected areas say underground coal fires have been wreaking havoc on the community causing widespread environmental and health concerns.
Various reports have shown that, the persistent fires are releasing toxic vapours and gases into the atmosphere, leading to the pollution of surface and groundwater sources.
“The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the concession areas use public ablution facilities that are not conducive for children to use. So they use the bush instead,” said Timothy Mpofu, a resident.
Underground fires have caused cracking of roads, and other infrastructure. The impact is also affecting the vegetation disrupting the natural balance of the environment. Despite efforts to extinguish the fires, Hwange Colliery Company seems to be failing and the situation remains a concern for local authorities, residents, and environmental groups.
The local communities are calling on the colliery company and relevant authorities to take immediate action and address the situation to prevent further harm to the environment and human life.
Sihlobosenkosi’s mother, Chipo Nyoni, recalled the painful experience of nursing her child’s wounds.
“I did not have money to take my child to the hospital, so I nursed the wounds at home until my child recovered. It wasn’t easy as he would cry, and I felt his pain. One woman would come and help me dress the wounds,” she explained.
Concerned residents said it is the responsibility of the company operating in the area to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents. This includes putting up clear warning signs in areas suspected to have underground fires and securing all such places to prevent accidental entry.
“By taking these steps, the colliery company can help mitigate the risks associated with underground fires and ensure the safety and well being of the surrounding communities,” added Nyoni.
Experts said, the situation in Hwange highlights the need for responsible mining practices, environmental monitoring and community engagement to prevent and address underground fires. According to Gideon Joseph, a resident in Hwange with a background in coal mining said the fires are a result of spontaneous combustion of coal, which can occur when coal is exposed to air and heat. He said, they can also be triggered by human activities, such as mining and drilling.
“After mining the land should be rehabilitated and trees should be planted to ensure the land is safe. But because the land was not rehabilitated, the underground fires are moving. If left unchecked, these fires can pose serious environmental and health risks to nearby communities because they release toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide,” said Joseph.
Greater Whange Residents Trust (GWRT) Coordinator Fidelis Chima said the situation in these areas is a ticking time bomb and the community’s plea for help cannot be ignored.
“As Greater Whange Residents Trust we are deeply concerned with people getting burnt by coal fires in Hwange, in particular children. We have since written to Hwange Colliery Company and have plans for engaging parliament and other government agencies on this issue,” said Chima.
