There is a complex relationship between water resources and mining activities. On one hand, mining requires significant amounts of water for processing, dust suppression and other purposes. Yet, mining can have significant impacts on water quality, quantity and ecosystems. Water is one of the most basic necessities of life. All living things need water, and the water should not be contaminated in any way. Contaminated water causes great harm to both flora and fauna. So, water pollution is a big environmental problem. This chapter seeks to explore a deep understanding of the link between the environment, ethics and water supply justice in the Boterekwa community in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe. We observe that there is significant clean water supply deficiency in the area surrounding the Boterekwa community in Shurugwi, and that this is exacerbated by unethical environmental activities, that is, illegal mining activities in that area, leading to water pollution. We deploy Romans 8:18–24 as the point of departure, noting that the Scripture describes a theo-ethical foundation for understanding the importance of caring for God’s creation. Though we acknowledge the fact that the New Testament does not address environmental issues directly, it is our submission that the Scripture serves as a Christian imperative to stand against people or organisations that contaminate nature, especially water bodies. On the whole, the chapter addresses one of Zimbabwe’s critical environmental challenges using deontological reflections which state that the survival of humanity requires respect for sacrosanct and non-negotiable ethical principles premised around our duty to care. It further argues that, if humanity fails to live based on deontological or duty to care for anything, its extermination is imminent. If humanity were to avoid extermination, then environmental ethical considerations in the mining sector must be observed. The research design is largely qualitative, and it employs documentary analysis, interviews and focus group discussions as its methods of data collection. In the course of the study, the researchers observed that Zimbabwe has hardworking people and that water is critical for human and aquatic life. Overall, the researchers concluded that the use of chemicals to process minerals is a huge contributing factor. The researchers highlight that the provision of clean water for flora and fauna is a huge responsibility for institutions such as municipalities, churches, schools and mining entities alike. It is recommended that all these institutions prioritise water conservation and purification processes to ensure a sustainable clean water supply for all.

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A Deontological Reflection on Romans 8:18–24 in the Context of Mining Exploits in Boterekwa (Shurugwi) in Zimbabwe

  • Henerieta Mgovo,
  • Elias Konyana

摘要

There is a complex relationship between water resources and mining activities. On one hand, mining requires significant amounts of water for processing, dust suppression and other purposes. Yet, mining can have significant impacts on water quality, quantity and ecosystems. Water is one of the most basic necessities of life. All living things need water, and the water should not be contaminated in any way. Contaminated water causes great harm to both flora and fauna. So, water pollution is a big environmental problem. This chapter seeks to explore a deep understanding of the link between the environment, ethics and water supply justice in the Boterekwa community in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe. We observe that there is significant clean water supply deficiency in the area surrounding the Boterekwa community in Shurugwi, and that this is exacerbated by unethical environmental activities, that is, illegal mining activities in that area, leading to water pollution. We deploy Romans 8:18–24 as the point of departure, noting that the Scripture describes a theo-ethical foundation for understanding the importance of caring for God’s creation. Though we acknowledge the fact that the New Testament does not address environmental issues directly, it is our submission that the Scripture serves as a Christian imperative to stand against people or organisations that contaminate nature, especially water bodies. On the whole, the chapter addresses one of Zimbabwe’s critical environmental challenges using deontological reflections which state that the survival of humanity requires respect for sacrosanct and non-negotiable ethical principles premised around our duty to care. It further argues that, if humanity fails to live based on deontological or duty to care for anything, its extermination is imminent. If humanity were to avoid extermination, then environmental ethical considerations in the mining sector must be observed. The research design is largely qualitative, and it employs documentary analysis, interviews and focus group discussions as its methods of data collection. In the course of the study, the researchers observed that Zimbabwe has hardworking people and that water is critical for human and aquatic life. Overall, the researchers concluded that the use of chemicals to process minerals is a huge contributing factor. The researchers highlight that the provision of clean water for flora and fauna is a huge responsibility for institutions such as municipalities, churches, schools and mining entities alike. It is recommended that all these institutions prioritise water conservation and purification processes to ensure a sustainable clean water supply for all.