Environmental justice advocates have warned the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to be cautious of potential environmental and health hazards that may arise should the proposed Cowdray Park cement processing plant be established near residential stands.
The concerns follow the local authority’s acknowledgement of Lebanmon Investments’ application for an industrial stand in Cowdray Park to set up a cement mixing facility.
To enhance the council’s understanding, an invitation was extended for council staff to visit a similar plant operating in Mozambique.
BCC will make a decision after the Mozambique tour.
According to Bulawayo’s city master plan, Cowdray Park is its largest suburb, with at least 200 stands earmarked for industries.
During the latest Full Council Meeting, councillors representing the suburb rejected the proposed cement plant citing fears of potential health and environmental hazards.
Effort Dube, Legal Officer of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), said the local authority must thoroughly assess the plant’s potential environmental impact on Cowdray Park suburb. Dube suggested evaluating similar mines like Collen Bawn in Gwanda and others in Harare to inform the council’s decision.
“There are significant environmental hazards to consider,” Dube said. “Air pollution from dust and chemicals used in cement production could lead to chronic diseases, impacting vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.”
Dube urged the council to ensure the plant’s distance from residential areas and establish clear provisions for cancelling the project if serious health concerns arise.
“The city of Bulawayo must also consider its water sources,” Dube added. “Many residents rely on boreholes and open water sources. How will the plant and its chemicals affect these sources?”
Khumbulani Maphosa, Coordinator of the Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR), argued that approving the proposal would contradict efforts towards a climate-smart city.
“We’re in an era promoting climate-smart and clean economies,” Maphosa stated. “There’s a global push against cement due to its environmental impact and human rights issues. Bringing in a new plant raises concerns about non-compliance with environmental standards.”
Maphosa added that the council must ensure existing and future projects adhere to environmental promises before endorsing new initiatives.
“The council must address current issues like those at Haulin before proceeding,” Maphosa advised.
“Cement production near residential areas isn’t feasible. Transportation impacts and environmental compliance must be thoroughly reconsidered.”
