THE Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has petitioned the government to reconsider the construction of a proposed cement plant by a Chinese firm in Hurungwe district, Mashonaland West, amid environmental and health concern fears.
The proposed US$1 billion plant will be situated in Magunje.
In a petition dated July 19 addressed to the Local Government ministry and copied to the Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister for Mashonaland West, Marian Chombo, ZNOART warned that the construction of the cement plant near Kemureza Dam could lead to pollution of the water source and environmental degradation.
The dam is the sole water source for 10 000 residents of Magunje Township and around 5 000 inhabitants of the 2.3 Infantry Battalion stationed at Magunje Barracks.
“ZNOART Mashonaland West solicited the voice of Magunje and Hurungwe residents hoping to leave no one and no place behind in relation to the above-mentioned development,” the petition read in part.
“Pursuant to our survey, residents have welcomed the billion dollar project which is in line with Vision 2030, National Development Strategy 1 and rural industrialisation agenda and almost all rural and urban Hurungwe residents are excited as the plant promises 5 000 jobs and incomes.
“Cement industry has a significant contribution to construction and development, but we can’t ignore its environmental footprint therefore we can't bungle its implementation with environmentally unsustainable decision-making.”
The residents said they have no evidence that an environmental impact assessment was done.
The US$1 billion cement plant is a partnership between Labenmon Investments and West International Holdings.
The project is earmarked to be completed in 2025. The signing ceremony was done in January this year.
ZNOART emphasised the importance of adhering to the Environmental Management Act, along with the Water Act, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act, the wetlands policy and the national water policy.
“These regulations mandate the protection of the environment for the benefit of current and future generations,” it said.
The organisation said the proposed site’s proximity to Kemureza Dam, the sole water source for Magunje, poses a risk of contamination from cement dust.
“This could alter the local ecosystem, affect aquatic life and jeopardise the health of residents as pollutants enter the food and water supply.
“The cement dust will compromise the health of about 10 000 Magunje residents and nearby Magunje Hospital, 2.3 infantry battalion residents, boarding school children, Kemureza Irrigation Scheme and rural villagers hence the need for site reconsideration to a sparsely populated area,” the organisation said.
ZNOART criticised the lack of environmental impact assessment and the commencement of the project without adequate community consultation.
They said this contradicts the spirit of devolution, which promotes resident participation in local development as outlined in Section 265 (1) of the Constitution and the Devolution and Decentralisation Policy of 2020.
“Secondly, the desired project has been shrouded in secrecy as regards its formulation, implementation, environmental health and social impact as well as benefits to the district and province as a whole.”
