Tiyani Hahlani
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has raised alarm over an environmental crisis unfolding in Magunje, Mashonaland West province, where a billion-dollar cement and mining project is reportedly polluting vital water sources, destroying farmland, and undermining rural livelihoods.
In a press statement released on 02 July 2025, CNRG called for urgent government intervention, citing overwhelming evidence of environmental harm linked to operations by Labenmon Investments and China-based West International Holding.
The two companies are jointly developing a US$1billion cement plant (pictured) in Magunje with an annual production target of 900 000 tonnes of cement and 1.8 million tonnes of clinker, supported by a 100 megawatt power plant.
While the project is being promoted as a major investment expected to create 5,000 jobs, CNRG warned that the environmental cost is too high to ignore.
Magunje Dam, a lifeline for thousands of residents in the area, is reportedly being contaminated by effluent from the plant.
CNRG says this pollution threatens not only human health but also agricultural activity and biodiversity in the region.
The organisation also documented the destruction of farmlands and gardens caused by fires allegedly started by the company during land clearing operations.
“This has worsened food insecurity in the area, as many families depend on these gardens for sustenance,” said CNRG in the statement.
CNRG noted that these fires, combined with the loss of agricultural land, are placing additional pressure on already struggling households.
The group is demanding that the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development immediately suspend Labenmon’s operations and publicly release all permits, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, and land allocation documents related to the project.
CNRG also alleged that one of Zimbabwe’s vice presidents endorsed the project without consulting the affected communities, which further raises concerns about political interference and elite-driven development at the expense of environmental sustainability.
“The Magunje case is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing pattern of environmental abuse enabled by weak regulatory oversight and a lack of accountability.
“If unchecked, Zimbabwe’s extractive boom will continue to destroy the natural resources that communities depend on for survival. The call is clear: without decisive government action, the environmental damage in Magunje could become irreversible,” reads the statement.
Both companies did not respond to inquiries from EnviroPress while minister of mines Winston Chitando said he was in a meeting.
The ministry of mines Permanent Secretary Pfungwa Kunaka requested the inquiries in writing but had not responded by the time of publishing.
