Online Reporter
Sunday News Correspondent
Major mining and energy projects in Matabelaland North Province have become model sustainable investments after they were undertaken in compliance with environmental and social impact regulations, experts have said.
Large scale infrastructure and investments projects set up in Matabeland North in recent years include Hwange Power Station upgrades, coke oven batteries and lithium mining projects, running into millions of dollars and positioning the province as an emerging economic giant.
In March, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, revealed that the province recorded a significant jump in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which now stands at about US$2,3 billion – accounting for about 5.8 percent of the country’s GDP – marking a notable increase compared to previous years in response to growing economic activities.
A turning point, however, is that while naturally-endowed areas would previously suffer the so-called resource curse, in Matabeleland North, projects are impacting positively on the environment and socially.
An expert, Mr Oliver Mutasa, says some major developments have achieved sustainability on the basis of conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), which are undertaken first to assess how they affect the biophysical and social environments.
He explained that companies are getting the “social licence” by complementing Government efforts through building infrastructure like schools and clinics in areas they operate in.
“ESIA compliance enables developers to identify and anticipate potential environmental and social risks associated with their investments,” Mutasa said.
“It provides a platform for engagement between developers, affected communities, and regulatory agencies, allowing stakeholders to contribute to project design and decision-making before implementation.”
Under sustainability framework, communities and stakeholders are trained on their rights as premised in Section 73 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which deals with Environmental Rights which are; Right to a safe and healthy environment, duty to protect the environment and State’s responsibility to make laws. These trainings empower communities to hold their developers (investors) and Government agencies to account and any behaviour that may affect the same communities.
Mutasa’s environmental advisory firm, SustiGlobal, has undertaken several major projects in Matabeleland North including the upgrading of Deka Pump Station to provide more water for the Hwange Power Station 7 & 8 expansion project, South Mining new coking plant expansion, Zimbabwe Zhongxin 50MW thermal power plant and coking battery, Dinson Colliery coking plant and the Zimbabwe-Zambia-Botswana-Namibia (Zizabona) 400kV Interconnector line from Hwange to Botswana and Zambia.
In July 2020, President Mnangagwa officially opened nine projects in Hwange four of which had their ESIAs done by SustiGlobal.
These are part of the 155 projects worth over US$6 billion that the company has been involved in since 2015.
The president of the Environmental Professionals Council of Zimbabwe, Mr Alphonce Haruzivishe said to ensure sustainability, investors “must look beyond profit and embrace holistic development”.
“It starts with genuine community engagement and participation — bringing local people into the planning and implementation processes so that projects address their real needs and deliver tangible benefits.
“Every project must undergo a thorough environmental impact assessment, followed by consistent auditing and monitoring to make sure mitigation measures are actually implemented. Compliance with Environmental Management Plans shouldn’t be optional — it’s a responsibility.”
Haruzivishe said corporate Social responsibility initiatives contributed to social infrastructure such as schools, clinics, and community facilities that uplift the quality of life while supporting Government development priorities.
Further he underscored the importance of inclusive economic growth through local content and economic empowerment saying investors should prioritize hiring and training locals, sourcing goods and services from local businesses, and strengthening the local economy.
“That’s how investment becomes a partnership for progress, not just a transaction,” said Haruzivishe.
Chinese investments have been a dominant force in the economic boom of Matabeleland North, but with challenges encountered on the way, there have been concerted efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory and social frameworks.
Recently, the Chinese Embassy in Harare issued an advisory to its nationals and companies to “build trust through community and environmental stewardship” as well as to “consistently uphold fair labour practices” and undertake corporate social responsibility initiatives as “visible expressions of goodwill”.
The embassy said such proactive efforts affirmed a shared commitment to Zimbabwe’s broader economic development and social progress.
Speaking at a provincial meeting in March, Minister Moyo emphasised inclusive and sustainable development in the province.
He said: “We must all put in endless efforts and devote ourselves fully to fulfilling the constitution’s mandate responsively and inclusively if we are to realise Vision 2030. Community-driven expectations and national goals should be taken into account at all times.”
No synonyms found.
