The lush green slopes of Mutare’s Christmas Pass Mountain are fast giving way to raw, exposed earth. Where thick woodland once clung to the hillside, the photos now show fresh gouges of red soil, flattened clearings, and gaping cuts etched into the mountain’s back. The scars are visible even from afar, crawling dangerously close to the telecommunications towers perched above Hillcrest.
What was once a proud natural fortress — guarding the eastern city and welcoming travellers into the valley — now bears the unmistakable fingerprints of illegal mining. The wounds are recent, the soil still loose and pale against the darker forest, as if the mountain itself is bleeding.
Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), confirmed to ZimEye that miners have been tearing into the Christmas Pass Range.
“Yes, Simba. So, they started mining along Christmas Pass Range, near Hillcrest. So right now they’ve been mining along a stretch. Last week, they were mining there and someone stopped them; and then they took all the equipment and left. So it’s not clear whether they’re coming back. Maybe they will return with adequate paperwork, you never know, but once they’ve started, it seems they will not stop.”
The photographs reveal the story more powerfully than words:
Freshly dug terraces and stripped vegetation leaving the mountain’s surface raw and exposed.
Heaps of spoil earth piled carelessly along the slopes.
Jagged scars of excavation crawling towards the summit and the telecom towers.
U Iconic euphorbia and woodland trees standing as helpless witnesses to the destruction.
Villagers left anxious, fearing landslides, erosion, and silting of local streams.
For those living below the range, the once reassuring outline of Christmas Pass has changed. Its silhouette is no longer just a backdrop to daily life, but a warning sign: if unchecked, the mining could destroy both the environmental balance and the heritage of Mutare’s gateway landmark.
Christmas Pass has long been celebrated as the gateway into Mutare, a landmark whose sweeping views make the descent into the city unforgettable. But conservationists warn that this heritage is now at risk of being irreversibly scarred by the hunger for minerals.
Call to Action: EMA Must Step In
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is now under urgent pressure to intervene. Conservationists, community leaders, and residents demand immediate action to halt the destruction before it is too late:
Immediate suspension of all mining activities along the Christmas Pass Range until proper investigations are completed.
Full-scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine the risks of further excavation on Mutare’s ecology, water systems, and community safety.
Public disclosure of permits and authorisations, if any, that allowed mining in such a sensitive heritage zone.
Accountability for illegal operators, with prosecutions for those found to be mining without clearance.
Restoration and rehabilitation plans to repair the visible scars already inflicted on the mountainside.
Without urgent intervention, Christmas Pass risks becoming another victim of Zimbabwe’s escalating crisis of unregulated mining — its natural beauty and cultural significance erased in the name of profit.Tragic how the government allows this destructionZANU PF is acting like there is no tomorrow, if this report is trueChristmas Pass Mountain’s Under Demolition By Chinese MinersAfter Boterekwa??
Info News
Drug Rehab Treatment Centers: How to Choose the Right Program
Choosing a drug rehab treatment center is an important decision for individuals and families facing substance use challenges. The right program can provide structure, support, therapy, and recovery planning. However, not every treatment center is the same, so it is important to understand what to compare.
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Drug rehab programs may include inpatient treatment, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, standard outpatient care, and aftercare support. The best level of care depends on the person’s substance use history, health needs, home environment, mental health concerns, and risk of relapse.
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Inpatient or residential treatment usually provides 24-hour support in a structured setting. This may be helpful for people who need a stable environment away from triggers. Outpatient treatment allows people to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions. This may work better for people with strong support systems and less severe needs.
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Medical detox may be needed for some substances. Detox should be supervised by qualified medical professionals because withdrawal can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Detox alone is usually not a complete treatment plan; it is often the first step before therapy and long-term recovery work.
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A quality treatment center should offer individualized care. Addiction recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Treatment may include individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, relapse prevention planning, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and mental health support.
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Licensing and accreditation matter. Families should ask whether the facility is licensed in its state and whether staff members are qualified. It is also important to ask about treatment methods, patient safety, staff-to-client ratio, and emergency procedures.
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Cost is another factor. Some rehab centers accept insurance, while others require private payment. Before admission, ask for a clear explanation of costs, insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and refund policies.
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Location can also matter. Some people benefit from being close to family. Others may need distance from unhealthy environments. The right decision depends on the person’s support system and recovery goals.
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Aftercare is one of the most important parts of treatment. Recovery does not end when a program is completed. A strong discharge plan may include outpatient therapy, support groups, sober living, relapse prevention strategies, and follow-up appointments.
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This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Anyone facing substance use concerns should speak with a qualified healthcare or addiction treatment professional.
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Construction Site Injury Lawyer Near Me: Know Your Legal Rights Today
A construction site injury lawyer near you helps workers understand their legal rights after an accident. Many victims are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation, including third-party liability claims. These claims can significantly increase the total compensation available.
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An experienced attorney evaluates your case to identify all possible sources of recovery. They explain your options clearly and guide you through the legal process. With proper legal advice, you can make informed decisions that protect your financial future and ensure justice is served.
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