Construction of Magunje Cement Plant Suspended by EMA

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued an immediate stop order to Wih-Zim Cement, halting the construction of its plant in Magunje due to violations of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements. Among the breaches cited was the company’s failure to compensate households displaced by the project.

In addition to the construction suspension, EMA imposed a US$5,000 fine on the company for non-compliance. An enforcement directive has also been issued, mandating that all project-related activities cease until the conditions outlined in the EIA certificate are fully met.

According to an inspection report dated July 16, 2025, Wih-Zim Cement proceeded with the project while ignoring key EIA conditions, particularly those related to the relocation and compensation of affected residents.

The inspection, triggered by both a provisional High Court order and local community grievances, discovered that around 20 families had lost their farmland due to the construction of a diversion road. One household was still located within the construction area.

Village Head Kapere informed inspectors that building activities continued despite a court order prohibiting further work until proper compensation had been provided.

Legal representation for the villagers was handled by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

EMA inspectors reported that Wih-Zim had already cleared 10 hectares, set up a concrete mixer with a 225-cubic-meter-per-hour output, and started building accommodation for 600 workers—all without fulfilling relocation obligations.

Further investigation revealed that the company had not obtained a Communal Lands Occupation Certificate from the Hurungwe Rural District Council, constituting another legal infraction.

EMA emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the development, describing it as a “sensitive high-impact project.” The agency made it clear that construction would not be allowed to resume until all displaced families are properly relocated and compensated, in accordance with the law.

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