Recent reports suggest that air pollution from Livetouch (Pvt) Ltd, a Chinese cement manufacturer operating near a residential area in Redcliff, Midlands, may be linked to several deaths from silicosis.
Livetouch’s subsidiary, Diamond Cement, is responsible for significant dust emissions containing silica—a substance commonly found in sand, quartz, and rocks. Silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, has reportedly claimed lives in Redcliff, with Kwekwe General Hospital confirming over 20 deaths from the condition as of March.
Investigations by The NewsHawks, supported by Information for Development Trust (IDT), reveal that residents of Stoneclair Park in Redcliff, along with workers from Diamond Cement and nearby SteelMakers, face severe exposure to dust emissions.
A specific case of silicosis identified is that of Aaron Tatenda Charinya, a 32-year-old former SteelMakers employee who died earlier this year. His family attributes his illness to dust from the Diamond Cement plant.
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Nearby industrial facilities include ParkStar and ZimBeef, with a preschool located near the Livetouch plant. The pollution also affects Ridgeway, a farming area to the north.
The Redcliff Municipality had allocated land for residential development to Stoneclair Construction (Pvt) Ltd, resulting in the Grasslands Estate Extension High-Density Residential area, which began development in 2015. Concurrently, Livetouch was granted land for its cement plant within this residential zone.
A 2016 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) recommended measures to mitigate the environmental impact of Livetouch’s operations. However, the company reportedly failed to honor its commitments, leading to unchecked dust pollution from stone crushing and truck activity.
Observations indicate the cement plant is situated approximately 30 meters from residential areas, with dust originating from various sources, including drying beds and an ash dump. Despite the company’s use of a water bowser for dust suppression, the effectiveness is questionable. Evidence of dust pollution extends to rooftops and vegetation within a 100-meter radius of the plant.
A burial order number 286/24 shows the deceased was buried at Redcliff Cemetery in grave number 1898 on 11 May 2024.
Silicosis rates have been increasing in Kwekwe, a region with significant gold mining activities. Dr. Patricia Mapanda of Kwekwe General Hospital reported a rise in silicosis cases, with 22 deaths recorded at the institution.
Human rights lawyer Arnold Tsunga, from Tsunga Law International, is mediating between the community, Livetouch, and relevant authorities to address the dust emissions crisis. He emphasizes the need for intervention to protect both health and the environment, warning that failure to resolve the issue may lead to legal action.
On September 22, 2023, the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-Southern Africa) requested an investigation into Livetouch’s dust emissions and called for the implementation of effective control measures. EMA confirmed that dust violations were identified and an order was issued for corrective action. Follow-up inspections showed limited progress, and additional measures are required.
Li Xi from the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe has stated that Livetouch is committed to complying with regulations and addressing dust emission issues, despite ongoing disputes regarding the severity of the problem.
Local residents and officials, including Redcliff Mayor Vincent Masiiwa, acknowledge the pollution problem and are pressing for improvements. The constitutional rights of Zimbabweans to a healthy environment are at stake, and further action is being sought to ensure compliance and protect public health.
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