Chief Calls for Responsible Development as Court H...

Chief Calls for Responsible Development as Court Halts Mining Expansion

Zim Now Reporter

A call for responsible and community-centered development has emerged in Magunje, Hurungwe, where traditional leaders and villagers have sought legal intervention to protect their land.

Chief Nematombo has urged for a balance between investment and local livelihoods, emphasizing that any development must align with community interests and environmental sustainability.

The High Court in Chinhoyi recently issued an interdict against Labenmon, a Chinese mining company, barring it from expanding operations into a grazing area owned by two villages.

Justice Philda Muzofa granted the provisional order following an urgent application by local villagers who sought to stop the establishment of a cement plant on 135 hectares of farming and grazing land.

The court order declares that Labenmon’s commencement of works in the Wih-Zim Construction Material Investments Cement Manufacturing project without compensating or relocating affected villagers is unlawful.

It also prohibits further operations pending the outcome of Environmental Impact Assessment investigations by the Environmental Management Agency.

The affected villagers, represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, have raised concerns about land occupation without due process.

The court ruling emphasizes that compensation and relocation processes must be completed before any development proceeds.

Chief Nematombo raised concerns about land allocation processes and potential environmental impacts, particularly pollution in Kemureza Dam.

Chief Dendera welcomed investment but stressed that it must be carried out with community consent and environmental safeguards.

While awaiting further legal action to enforce the court order, villagers and community leaders continue to call for inclusive development strategies that ensure both economic progress and the protection of local livelihoods.

A local political leader who declined to be named told Zim Now that the case highlights the importance of strengthening Zimbabwe’s legal frameworks in guiding responsible investment while safeguarding communities’ rights and environmental sustainability.