by Pretty Chavango
Greater Hwange Residents Trust (GHRT) has petitioned Parliament to investigate pollution threats facing Hwange residents and review the Pneumoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08) to extend protection to non-employees in the surrounding areas.
Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has since referred the petition to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife
GHRT argues that the current legal framework focuses on protecting mine workers from pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust while neglecting residents living near industrial sites.
The trust emphasized that communities in Hwange suffer from air and water pollution caused by mining and industrial activities, which poses serious health risks.
Environmental advocates have long called for stronger regulatory measures to ensure that companies operating in the region adhere to environmental safety standards. GHRT’s petition calls on Parliament to amend the Pneumoconiosis Act to include protection for the broader community and enforce stricter pollution control mechanisms.
Hwange, a major coal mining hub in Zimbabwe, has faced increasing concerns over industrial pollution, with reports of respiratory diseases and water contamination linked to mining activities.
Residents and activists have consistently voiced concerns over inadequate enforcement of environmental laws and the lack of accountability from major corporations operating in the region.
This is not the first time GHRT has raised concerns regarding environmental and public health issues. In previous petitions, the trust called for stricter emissions controls on coal-fired power plants, better waste management practices, and increased transparency from mining companies regarding their environmental impact.
GHRT has also pushed for independent environmental assessments and greater community engagement in decision-making processes related to industrial projects.
The referral of the petition to the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife marks a crucial step in addressing these concerns. The committee is expected to conduct inquiries and consult key stakeholders before making recommendations to Parliament.
GHRT has urged the government to take swift action in protecting Hwange residents from the long-term health impacts of pollution. Environmental groups and community leaders will be closely monitoring the committee’s proceedings to ensure that their concerns are addressed in any legislative amendments.
The outcome of the petition could set a precedent for environmental justice in Zimbabwe, potentially influencing broader policy changes on industrial pollution and community health protections. Parliament is expected to provide updates on the matter as deliberations progress.
Good work. Let’s support this cause