IT'S shortly after 5pm and a group of men, mostly clad in dirty blue work suits, emerge from Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) site strolling past a small business centre carrying water containers of various sizes.
They are heading towards KMC compound in 'maThree' section of ward 11 in Kamativi.
KMC, which recently started extracting lithium from the old tin mine, has breathed new life into the once-abandoned Kamativi infrastructure and rehabilitated several kilometres of roads.
Despite significant strides in restoring infrastructure, the major hurdle for workers remains access to a reliable source of clean water.
Water supply to the settlement has been erratic for the past decade, with the only source of water being the crocodile-infested Kamativi Dam.
More than 10 people have been attacked by crocodiles at the dam while fetching water, or fishing, locals say.
The workers collect water by the mine exit point after each shift, but the quality poses health risks, and locals are calling for the mine authorities to address water provision urgently.
The company is in the process of constructing a water reservoir to cater for the mine and community needs.
Kamativi Mine, located in Hwange District, Matabeleland North, was one of the largest tin mines in Zimbabwe.
Records show that it operated from 1936 until 1994, employing around 3 000 workers at its peak. After its closure, local artisanal miners continued to work the pegmatite.
The story took an exciting turn when the ore was re-evaluated. It was discovered that the mine's tailings contained lithium -- a much sought after mineral globally.
KMC has re-opened the mine and expects to invest a total of US$249 million exploring for lithium, and not tin.
In its first phase of operations, KMC has made significant strides in restoring infrastructure to its former glory. KMC has resurfaced a road from the mine's main gate to the Cross Dete-Binga road, covering several kilometres.
Additionally, the road leading to the business centre, passing through the police station has been tarred.
Despite these notable improvements, the major hurdle for workers remains access to potable water.
The revival of Kamativi holds promise, but ensuring access to clean water for the workers remains a critical challenge, locals say.
When The Chronicle news crew visited Kamativi, some workers had concluded their shift, with the majority holding water containers, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
"This is our daily routine. We have a water crisis and we have no option, but to use the dirty water for all household chores, including drinking," said one worker.
Another worker said the mine provides unlimited water for workers on a daily basis.
"After each shift we collect water by the mine exit point. But we have to contend with its state. At first I used to get sick frequently and later realised that it could be the water I was using.
"We appeal to mine authorities to look into water provisions," he said.
Mr Amon Tembo of Ward 11 said the only source of water is Kamativi Dam.
"The water is dirty and we fear sporadic outbreaks of water-borne diseases here," said Mr Tembo.
Another Ward 11 resident, Ms Sithulisiwe Munsaka, echoed similar sentiments. Most people rely on raw water, which might cause diseases, she said.
Mrs Militha Mudenda said the water crisis has reached critical levels.
"This is a crisis. We don't have water and the population is growing. The clinic and Kamativi Secondary School do not have reliable water sources," she said.
"We are facing a major water situation here in Kamativi. At St Therese there is a water tank (jojo tank), but it comes with strict conditions. For instance, we are allowed one 25-litre bucket per day for every two days. Within those two days, what will I be using with my family? One bucket is not enough for cooking and drinking.
"We appeal to authorities to urgently look at our water plight in Kamativi," said Mr Mudenda.
However, Ward 11 councillor, Mr Joshua Tshuma, said the mining firm was working tirelessly to alleviate the water challenges.
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"We have been having water challenges and KMC is building a water reservoir. We anticipate that after its construction the challenges will be reduced. People are travelling long distances to fetch water from the dam and once the reservoir is complete, we will be using treated water.
KMC public relations officer, Mr Mehluli Moyo, said the community is feeling the effects of water shortages.
"We have drilled two boreholes that are solar-powered and we have a third one, which we have not connected to power sources. Due to water challenges faced here, we are bound to increase water sources.
"In late 2023, we built a small dam, but unfortunately due to the current dry season we could not store water. However, the dam is part of measures to alleviate water shortages in the community," said Mr Moyo.
He noted that the company has installed several solar powered boreholes.
The company is in the process of constructing a water reservoir to cater for the mine and community needs.
The revival of Kamativi holds promise, but ensuring access to clean water for the workers remains a critical challenge, locals say.
