Story by Batsirai Shoko
COMMUNITIES in some sections of Hwange have raised concern over heavy air pollution caused by trucks that are using an undesignated route in the mining town.
The use of a route which passes through residential areas leaves a cloud of coal dust every day in Hwange.
The locals who witness the environmental impact are not amused and have called for action against the truckers.
“In the long run, this will have an impact on everyone who lives here. These trucks must simply be banned from using this route and use the usual ones designated for that purpose,” said a community member.
Another added, “The non-designated route created as a shortcut to loading points in the mining town has raised the ire of local leadership.”
“We simply want them to go back to their specific roads. They cannot continue using this road at the detriment of the environment and people’s health,” said Councillor Samuel Tshuma.
The complaints have also caught the attention of government through the Environmental Management Authority (EMA.
“A local organising committee has been constituted consisting of various stakeholders. The main task that has been given to the committee is to come up with lasting solutions, some of the ideas muted include the identification of an alternative site that is away from the community and diverting the road to away where people reside,” said EMA’s Matabeleland North manager Ms Chipo Mpofu Zuze.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Hwange Colliery Company says it has identified truckers using the undesignated route, adding that over and above engaging them, it is working on constructing a new 12 kilometre haul road which does not pass through communities.
