Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
BUSINESS came to a standstill for several hours in Hwange last Wednesday as haulage truck drivers clashed with residents of the Railways concession area, who blocked Old Bulawayo Road in protest against persistent dust pollution.
The road, primarily used by haulage trucks to transport coal from Zambezi Gas and Coal to Hwange Power Station, has long been a source of concern for the affected community.
When a Chronicle news crew arrived at the scene, rocks, logs, and sand littered the road as residents formed barricades, demanding action from authorities, who they say have ignored their grievances for years. The protest was driven by growing frustration over the health risks posed by the excessive coal dust.
“For years, we have endured the effects of dust pollution and repeatedly raised our concerns with relevant authorities, but nothing has been done. Our air is constantly polluted, and our health is deteriorating,” said a resident who declined to be named.
Another resident, identified only as Olie, said respiratory illnesses, including persistent coughs and flu, have become prevalent in the area.
“A lot of people here, especially children, suffer from recurrent respiratory issues because of prolonged exposure to coal dust. We are breathing in polluted air every day, and we felt that enough is enough,” she said.
Olie explained that they felt blocking the road was their last resort since their cries had been ignored. Residents also accused coal mining companies of failing to implement dust suppression measures, which are essential in mitigating the environmental and health impact of coal transportation.
“We had no choice but to take action. These companies are neglecting safety and health standards, and we are paying the price. The dust is unbearable, and authorities need to see how serious we are about this issue,” another protester said.
The protest, which began in the early morning hours, lasted for several hours as residents blocked traffic using rocks, logs, and human barricades. Tensions flared when truck drivers tried to force their way through, resulting in heated confrontations. Police were called in to intervene and disperse the angry crowd.
The issue of dust pollution in Hwange has been a long-standing concern, with fugitive coal dust from haulage trucks, thermal power stations, and coke processing plants flagged as an environmental hazard by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
In her presentation during a stakeholder meeting at the Hwange District Development Co-ordinator’s office last week, EMA provincial manager Mrs Chipo Mpofu-Zuze raised concerns over the deteriorating air quality in the district.
“Fugitive coal dust from unsurfaced roads, mining, and coke processing plants has created a blanket of pollution, compromising air quality. EMA has engaged mining companies to address this challenge, but not all are adhering to dust suppression measures, exacerbating the problem,” she said.
Areas worst affected include Railways, Sinderela, Lusumbami, Lwendulu, and Ingagula in Hwange urban, as well as Madumabisa and Change under Hwange Rural District Council.
To mitigate dust pollution and improve road safety, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development approved a proposal for the construction of a 23km bypass to divert heavy traffic from residential areas.
The new duty road, nearing completion, will link various mining sites and replace the Old Bulawayo and Black roads, which have been major contributors to dust pollution in Lower Colliery, Railways, Sinderela, and Lwendulu’s P-section.
EMA has engaged coke processing companies in Lukosi and Madumabisa, directing them to upgrade their dust trapping systems.
“We have ordered these companies to replace faulty filters and refurbish or modify their beehive systems, which have several flaws. They have been given a year to transition to a better model,” said Mrs Mpofu-Zuze.
Beyond dust pollution, EMA noted that Hwange is facing multiple environmental challenges, including poor solid waste management, water pollution, and deforestation.
The quarterly stakeholder meeting, attended by Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Richard Moyo, Government officials, mining companies, environmental agencies, and members of the public, focused on finding sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.
