Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, has warned Chinese owned mines and firms operating in Chegutu rural to desist from violating the country’s environmental laws.
The warning came after Ndlovu visited the premises accompanied by Mashonaland West State Minister, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, Norton and Mhondoro-Ngezi legislators, Temba Mliswa and Tawengwa Mukhuhlani respectively, and officials from Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
The team witnessed environmental degradation caused by four Chinese companies that are involved chrome mining, quarry extracting, tile making and brick moulding prompting the minister to say the Government would not fold hands and watch the violation of the laws. He said:
I visited an area where Afro-Shin is mining sand and the company has very low compliance. As Government we are fully behind the investments but we are also cognisant of the constitutional expectation of providing a cleaner and safer environment and empower EMA to discharge its duties. Our President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) is clear on the need for law abiding citizens and corporates.
Ndlovu added that the companies’ actions were in violation of Section 73 of the constitution which provides for the Government to safeguard the environment.
Tiles producer, Sunn Yi Feng is said to be polluting air through the burning of waste on-site and extracting sand from illegal sites prompting Norton Ward 2 residents to petition Minister Ndlovu during his visit to the company
Meanwhile, the company’s representative, Willian Gong denied the allegations saying they were employing best skills and practices that they use in China.
More: The Herald