Hwange residents demand action against deadly pollution, Petition Parliament
Providence Moyo
In a decisive move, the Greater Hwange Residents Trust has escalated their concerns to the National Assembly, presenting a petition on December 17, 2024, demanding urgent action against the pollution plaguing Hwange.
This petition calls for an investigation into pollution risks and a potential amendment of the Pneumoconiosis Act to extend protections to non-employees in the vicinity.
Hwange Residents Association director Fidelis Chima highlighted the urgency of the issue, “The situation is bad. We recently obtained an ambient air quality report, which reveals that pollution levels far exceed Standard Association of Zimbabwe and WHO guidelines.”
The impact of the coal mining industry on Hwange’s environment and public health has been a growing concern. With a population exceeding 50,000, many residents are directly affected by the pollution despite not being part of the mining workforce. Chima further stated, “The coal mining industry significantly affects both our health and the environment. Hwange is home to over 50,000 residents, many of whom are not employed in the mining sector.”
Following the submission of the petition, it has been passed to the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate, and Wildlife for a detailed investigation. This step marks a critical juncture in the fight against pollution in Hwange, as residents await tangible responses and reforms to safeguard their health and environment.
