Recent reports from Redcliff have highlighted that Livetouch (Pvt) Ltd, a Chinese cement manufacturing company operating near Redcliff, Midlands, continues to violate Environmental Management Agency (EMA) regulations.
The ongoing air pollution from the company has been linked to multiple deaths from silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust.
Livetouch’s subsidiary, Diamond Cement, is reported to be a significant contributor to dust emissions containing silica, a substance commonly found in materials like sand, quartz, and rock.
Silicosis, which affects the lungs, has already claimed numerous lives in Redcliff. Kwekwe General Hospital confirmed that over 20 individuals have died from the disease as of March this year.
An investigation conducted by The ZiMetro News, has revealed that residents of Stoneclair Park in Redcliff, along with workers from Diamond Cement and nearby SteelMakers, are experiencing severe exposure to dangerous dust levels.
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Among the many tragic cases is that of 32-year-old Aaron Tatenda Charinya, a former SteelMakers employee who died from silicosis earlier this year. His family blames his death on prolonged exposure to the cement plant’s dust emissions.
A burial order number 286/24 shows the deceased was buried at Redcliff Cemetery in grave number 1898 on 11 May 2024.
The Livetouch plant is located dangerously close to residential areas, with industries like ParkStar and ZimBeef, and even a preschool, situated nearby. Ridgeway, a farming area to the north, has also been affected by the pollution.
Despite previous recommendations from a 2016 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to mitigate the environmental impact of Livetouch’s operations, the company has reportedly failed to implement sufficient dust control measures.
The company’s efforts, such as using water bowsers to suppress dust, have proven ineffective. Dust pollution continues to affect rooftops, vegetation, and residents living within a 100-meter radius of the plant.
Redcliff Municipality initially allocated land for the development of the Grasslands Estate Extension High-Density Residential area in 2015, while Livetouch was simultaneously granted land for its cement plant within the same residential zone.
This has exacerbated the issue of unchecked dust pollution from the cement company’s operations.
Silicosis cases in the Kwekwe region have surged, partly due to extensive gold mining in the area, but Dr. Patricia Mapanda from Kwekwe General Hospital has seen a marked rise in silicosis cases associated with cement and industrial dust exposure. The hospital has recorded 22 deaths from silicosis so far this year.
Human rights lawyer Arnold Tsunga, from Tsunga Law International, is working as a mediator between Livetouch, local authorities, and the affected community. Tsunga has emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation, citing the need for health and environmental protection, and warning that legal action may follow if the company does not comply with regulations.
In response to community concerns, the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-Southern Africa) requested an official investigation into Livetouch’s environmental violations on September 22, 2023.
EMA confirmed that dust emissions exceeded legal limits and issued an order to the company to rectify the situation. However, subsequent inspections have shown little improvement, prompting further calls for stronger corrective actions.
Li Xi, a representative from the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, asserted that Livetouch remains committed to addressing the dust issue and ensuring regulatory compliance.
However, disputes remain regarding the severity of the pollution and the company’s efforts to mitigate it.
Redcliff Mayor Vincent Masiiwa and local residents continue to push for meaningful change, stressing the importance of protecting public health and upholding Zimbabweans’ constitutional right to a healthy environment.
With the situation unresolved, further pressure is mounting on Livetouch to take immediate action to curb its environmental impact.
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