HARARE, Feb 24 (NewsDay Live) - Bryden Country School, an elite learning institution located in Chegutu, Mashonaland West province, is up in arms with a Chinese firm constructing a cement manufacturing plant close to its premises.
The school argues the cement plant will expose learners to noise, air and water pollution given its proximity to the project site.
The project is being spearheaded by Chinese firm, Shuntai Investments (Pvt) Ltd.
The school has taken to social media platforms to mobilise the local community to resist the project over health concerns.
Officials from Shuntai recently met with the school authorities represented by board chairman Ahmed Noor to address their concerns, but the meeting reportedly ended in a stalemate.
Contacted for comment, Shuntai general manager Zhou Bin told NewsDay that the company plans to apply the latest technology to minimise pollution levels.
“This technology is highly advanced and captures air with an efficiency of 95%. It also employs equipment that operates nearly silently, minimizing noise within the facility.
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“Furthermore, the plant design incorporates a closed-loop recycling system for underground water, which will be reused with minimal waste directed to our garden irrigation,” he said.
Zhou emphasized the company's willingness to engage with all stakeholders as they prepare to launch the project.
“We are flexible and open to improvements, subject to the authorities' approvals. We even met with the Bryden board on Monday, where we discussed constructing a road as far from the school as possible and keeping the school informed at every stage of the project,” he said.
Besides the Chegutu project, the Chinese investor also plans to establish similar plants in Bindura and Bulawayo, with a combined capacity to produce over three million tonnes of cement and lime per year.
