Cowdray Park councillors have rejected a proposal to locate a cement processing plant in the suburb, fearing it may affect residents’ health.
The plant would be run by Labenmon Investments (PVT) LTD, a Chinese mining company.
Ward 28 councillor, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, and Ward 15 councillor, Ashton Mhlanga, emphasized that they are not against development in the city but are concerned about the potential environmental impact of the plant’s operations on residents.
According to the council minutes, Town Clerk Christopher Dube stated that Lebanmon Investments applied for an industrial stand at Cowdray Park to establish a cement mixing facility. To provide the council with a better understanding of their operations, an invitation was extended for council staff to visit a similar plant operating in Mozambique.
“Council officials’ observational visit to the cement plant in Mozambique would provide an invaluable opportunity for them to assess the facility’s operations firsthand. By seeing the equipment and processes used at the plant, the council could ascertain if the equipment being used was modern,” the minutes read.
“The Council representatives would also gain direct evidence that the facility would not significantly contribute to environmental pollution and ensure their operations adhered to environmental standards. This on-site evaluation would allow the council the privilege of making a more informed decision in considering the company’s application, ensuring the best outcomes for both the local community and the environment.”
Councillor Ndlovu argued that there was a need to reconsider the proposal, especially considering that the people of Cowdray Park were already affected by environmental pollution from the Richmond landfill (Ngozi Mine).
“I am not opposed to the recommendations by the committee, but I am concerned that there is a proposal to locate a cement processing plant in Cowdray Park. It is my view that it is not in the best interests of this city, and the residents of Cowdray Park in particular,” Councillor Ndlovu said.
“According to a report issued by the United Nations, at least 6 million people die annually due to air pollution. And now we want to subject the people of Cowdray Park to two twin evils. On one side we have Ngozi Mine and on the other, we will be having the cement processing plant. I don’t know why we are punishing the people of Cowdray Park. Why is this council so hell-bent on committing genocide against the people of Cowdray Park?”
Councillor Ndlovu said there is evidence of how such operations have affected the communities in which they operate.
“You will note that there are several case studies you can refer to: Mabvuku in Harare, Mhandara, and Redcliff, locally there are areas around Cementside and Pumula which have Haulin Mine. It is not ideal to locate a cement processing plant in a built-up area full of human settlements,” he said.
“We cannot choose profit over people. We cannot choose the Chinese business people over our local citizens. We know what has happened in Pumula through the Haulin Mine. The Chinese promised that they would use the latest technologies to control environmental degradation among other dangers, but now residents of Pumula and Magwegwe are complaining. Now we are about to subject the people of Cowdray Park to the same. I reject this as a councillor.”
Acting Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, advised that nothing final had been concluded yet, but the councillors would still have an opportunity to debate the matter after a post-visit report is tabled before the council.
“Your concerns are valid, councillor. But we are not there yet. A delegation is yet to go and see how this business is done in Mozambique. When they return, a proper report will be brought before the council and then we can debate all these issues. Let us take it all step by step,” he said.
Ward 15 councillor, Ashton Mhlanga, said: “As representatives of Cowdray Park residents, we see your plans as presented in the report, that you want to bring a cement plant. We would like to advise you that even if you haven’t reached that stage yet, we want you to know in advance that we shall not agree to that. I’m not opposed to the recommendations that there are members of staff who must go to Mozambique, but that plant should not be brought to Cowdray Park!”
Ward 9 councillor, Donaldson Mabuto, highlighted that Cowdray Park was already earmarked for either town or city status and plans included setting up numerous industries therein.
“I’m not opposed to the councillors’ sentiments. What we need to understand is that Cowdray Park, in the coming years, will be given town or city status because of the way it is growing. You will note that there is a plan for an industrial area, which has approximately 200 stands for industry. This is a development that is coming under this industrial aspect. You need to think around those issues that this plant will be part of the industrial development,” Councillor Mabuto said.
