Former Ran Mine workers in Bindura have today held a protest at the company premises against the proposed eviction from the mine compound amid indications that a new investor is expected to resume operations.
Ran Mine has been dysfunctional since 1999 and the mining company recently issued an eviction notice to its former workers who were given until 31 December to vacate the area.
However, the former workers have vowed to stay put.
Led by Bindura North Ward 2 Councillor, Ian Makone, the former workers submitted a petition to the District Administrator and the Minister of Provincial affairs offices.
“In my capacity as the Councillor of ward 2 , Bindura town council, I held a meeting with residents of Ran Mine compound. The agenda was on the letters of eviction that have been given to families of mine workers to vacate the compound by the 31st of December 2018.
“The workers have been employed at this mine for over twenty years and have outstanding salaries that date back to 1999.
“A few Misguided elements and 3 ZRP uniformed police distributed letters of eviction forcing Ran Mine residents to sign forms agreeing to the eviction,” Makone told 263Chat.
He urged Ran Mine to first pay all outstanding salaries to workers before evicting them as well as providing them with decent alternative place for relocation considering that these workers have spent all their lives at the compound.
“As the Councillor for all in this ward, I represent all citizens despite political affiliation and also hope that the Member of Parliament for Bindura North(Kenneth Musanhu) also comes on board to defend the welfare of these workers and protect their well-being from abuse by the capitalist mine owners,” he added.
In their letter to the company, the workers said although they are welcome to the idea of a new investor coming into the area, they needed to be given first priority in as far as employment is concerned.
They also urged the company to stop arbitrary evictions without following due legal process as well as victimization of the more than 300 pupils who reside in the compound and attend school at Ran Mine Primary school, among other demands.
