Business Reporter
PLANS to achieve transparency in the country’s mining sector are in limbo following the allocation of limited funding to support the Cadastre information system.
A cadastre system is a computer-based and up-to-date land information system containing a record of interests in land such as land owners’ rights, restrictions and responsibilities. Authorities in Zimbabwe intend to establish the system in a bid to attain full transparency in the mining sector’s activities.
Once put in place, the system is expected to solve the challenge of multiple mines ownership as well as to identify unused mining areas for maximum utilisation.
A recent Parliamentary Non-Adverse Report by the Legal Committee revealed the setting up of the system may be in jeopardy due to lack of funding.
“The computerised cadastre system’s hardware has been purchased, but the management information system remains incomplete. The Ministry requested ZWG 223,8 million but was allocated only ZWG 45,3 million leading to a deficit of 178.4 million ZIG,” the report said.
The Committee was also informed that more work is required to finalise the Mines Bill and the Minerals Development Policy, which have been pending for an extended period. It is vital to complete these policies in the upcoming year to address challenges related to licensing, registration, and dispute resolution.
