Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has addressed public concerns about the potential environmental impact of a new US$1bn cement plant being established in Magunje by Labenmon Investments and West International Holdings. Amid fears of pollution to the nearby Kemureza Dam, ZINWA has assured residents that the project will not compromise the water source that serves over 10,000 people.
During an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation in Chinhoyi, ZINWA’s head of corporate communications and marketing, Majorie Munyonga, emphasised that the cement plant will rely on boreholes for its water needs, thereby safeguarding the dam. The project is currently undergoing further EIA stakeholder consultations to integrate community and environmental considerations.
The Herald newspaper has reported that the initiative by Labenmon Investments is expected to generate around 5000 jobs. However, the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), representing the concerns of Magunje and Hurungwe residents, has petitioned for a reassessment of the site to mitigate any adverse impacts on the local ecosystem, health and livelihoods. It has stressed the importance of compliance with the Environmental Management Act and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act.
