adminConrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued a compliance certificate to Chinese investor, Lebanmon Investments (Pvt) Ltd, allowing the company to open, under the agreed conditions, a US$1 billion cement manufacturing plant in Magunje, Mashonaland West Province.
This ends spirited opposition from the surrounding community and environmental lobby groups who had argued that the setting up of the plant would lead to the pollution of the Kemureza Dam, a major source of water for the local community and members of the army’s 2.3 Infantry Battalion. Locals were also worried about potential air pollution from the project.
The EMA has laid down the necessary conditions that allay locals’ fears to ensure that the benefits of the investment can be positive. The company has agreed to comply in detail with the conditions and the process has satisfied leaders of the community.
A processing officer with EMA, Mr Franklyn Chinyande, said the company had now been permitted to operate in accordance with Part IV of the EMA Act under specified terms and conditions.
The certification reignites hopes for thousands of youths from the area who expect to benefit from the 5 000 jobs the project is expected to create.
EMA’s environmental impact assessment report expires on September 3, 2026, and is subject to suspension or cancellation if conditions are not followed.
The company had to submit a consolidated EIA report addressing a baseline survey report on ambient air quality assessment and modelling of emissions from the proposed project. Other special conditions include detailed description and specifications of air pollution control mechanisms, production capacity of cement per day and installation of continuous emissions monitoring system (at the chimneys).
The certificate also stipulates that the project must not pollute Kemureza Dam and plans and designs had to comply with the Hurungwe Rural District Council’s by-laws, the NSSA Act and the Factories and Works Act.
The investor was also expected to compensate and relocate all affected households before commencement of works.
“The developer should notify the (EMA) director-general if there is any change in the project which is likely to alter the project’s effect on the environment, or if it appears the project’s effect on the environment differs materially in kind or degree from the results outlined in the environmental impact assessment prepared for the project,” reads part of the certificate requirements.
The certificate will not be transferable to any other person or developer.
The company’s acting chairman, Mr Thomas Chidzomba, said they were prepared to meet all the requirements of the EIA.
“We are glad that the EIA certificate has been issued. As a company whose operations are hinged on the country’s laws and statutes, we will tick all the requirement boxes before we start any works.
“We will comply with subsidiary legislation and statutory instruments,” said Mr Chidzomba.
Local resident and Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) Mashonaland West chairman, Mr Liberty Chitiya, said they hoped the company would meet the requirements and specifications of the EIA certification before commencement of works.
“We were never against the development but we queried the location of the project which we felt could end up affecting human health as it is close to the dam. We also felt air pollution was imminent,” he said.
The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the project would create employment for at least 5 000 people in the province.
“There will be more employment in industries such as construction and transport as we ship the product out of the province.
“This will definitely improve the standards of living in the province,” said Minister Chombo.
Online Reporter