Hurungwe—Zimbabwe’s current government—in power since late 2017—has been riding on the slogan “Leaving no-one and no place behind”, in its highly ambitious goal to achieve a middle-class economy by 2030.
But this mantra is a hard sell for thousands of villagers in a part of Mashonaland West province whose livelihoods are set to be negatively impacted by a controversial Chinese cement project that the presidency has foisted on them despite spirited resistance.
It turns out, through an investigation, that the presidency threw the villagers under the bus by blessing the project that will displace hundreds, affect water supply and cause excessive environmental damage, among other violations.
And the High Court of Zimbabwe has ordered a stop to the venture, but faces resistance from the politically backed investor.
It was one of the co-vice presidents, Kembo Mohadi, who directly wrote to the Hurungwe Rural District Council (MDC) under whose jurisdiction the cement project is being developed, instructing the local authority to cede 135 hectares of land to a Chinese mining company.
In the June 5, 2024 letter to the rural council’s chairperson, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, Mohadi’s says it was President Mnangagwa who ordered that the sprawling piece of land be handed over to WHI-ZIM Construction Material Investments (Pvt) Ltd, a Chinese company.
The cement production project spans ward 10 and 11 of Magunje.
WHI-Zim Construction is a Chinese-controlled joint venture between Labenmon Investments and West International Holdings but is commonly referred to by the former name.
The letter, signed by Mohadi, shows that representatives of the company met with Mnangagwa, Mohadi and the other deputy president, Constantino Chiwenga.
After that, the president directed that WHI-Zim Construction be given the land despite fierce opposition from the villagers, civil society and some key traditional leaders.
It emerged, though, that the presidential order was made before due process—such as public consultations with concerned stakeholders and an environmental impact assessment—was undertaken.
“The company above met with His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, in the presence of his two Vice Presidents, and he directed that they be allocated the land they require. By this letter, you are therefore requested to facilitate the acquisition of that land,” states Mohadi in the letter.
Source: NewsHub Zimbabwe
Source: NewsHub Zimbabwe
