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Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau
Representatives of the Magunje community on Tuesday went before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation to express their concerns over non-compliance to legal procedures Lebanmon Pvt Ltd, which is setting up a cement production plant near Kemureza Dam and Magunje Growth Point.
The group was led by Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations of Residents Trust (ZNOART) Mashonaland West leadership and the concerned village head.
The delegation said that the non-compliance with legal procedures was done by individuals, entities, and corporates upon issuing 135 hectares to Lebanmon Pvt Ltd for the cement plant.
Technical experts from Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC) and Environmental Management Agency (EMA) contributed to the initial stages of project whose setting has received blessings from the Ministries of Industry and Commerce and, Local Government and Public Works.
The residents also alleged that they were sidelined and over looked in the process leading up to the issuance of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate to the investor.
“All evidence of communications on local and provincial offices were produced and submitted,” said Mr Gody Gwayagwaya, ZNOART’s Hurungwe coordinator.
But, Lebanmon Pvt Ltd representative, Mr Thomas Chidzomba said the investor had nothing to hide.
“Our project is clear and will follow all the country’s laws. In addition, the plant is going to use state-of-the-art technology which minimises or eradicates air pollution,” he said.
“We will also not pollute the Kemureza Dam as we will not draw water from it for our operations.”
The Parliament Committee is expected to visit the site for the plant in Magunje soon to gather information from residents and villagers.
The project kicks off, it is expected to employ over 1500 locals and boost the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Online Reporter