Source: Hwange villagers, miner clash over dam – The Southern Eye
Kalope Dam was constructed through a community initiative and a source of water for agriculture projects and domestic use.Some Hwange villagers have petitioned the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to stop a Chinese company from drawing water from a community-built reservoir that is the primary source of water for their irrigation scheme.
In a letter dated October 1, written by lawyers from Dube Legal Practice on behalf of the Lukosi Irrigation Farmers in Change Ward 20, the community claimed sole rights to the Kalope Dam.
Kalope Dam was constructed through a community initiative and a source of water for agriculture projects and domestic use.
“The dam currently sustains 1,500 families through irrigation, small-scale farming, and provides water for domestic use,” the letter read.
“It also serves as a natural habitat for crocodiles and other wildlife.”
According to the lawyers, on September 8, Zinwa entered into a contract with a Chinese entity, ZhongJin Heli Energy (Private) Limited, allowing it to draw 200 million litres of water per day for its coal mining operations.
The lawyers said this was a “clear violation” of their clients’ environmental rights under Section 73 of the constitution.
They demanded that Zinwa disclose all information related to the contract within 48 hours.
“This contract was entered into without any environmental impact assessment or any credible scientific study,” the lawyers wrote,
“As a statutory public entity, you have an obligation and or duty to disclose this information in terms of Section 5 of the Freedom Act (Chapter 10:33)
“We, therefore, request that you accede to our request without the need for “An Anton Piller Order” as this matter is of public interest.”
Zinwa has not yet responded to the lawyers’ letter.
On Tuesday, villagers staged protests against the Chinese miner, saying its operations threaten their water source and livelihood.
The protest led to the arrest of two women from Lukosi, ChetaniMathe and Deficiency Ndlovu, who were believed to be leading the demonstration.
According to irrigation secretary SimangeleSinga, the two were detained after participating in a protest where hundreds of villagers blocked mine workers who were attempting to install pumping equipment at the dam.
“Police were deployed in large numbers to protect the miners, but after a tense standoff, they eventually pulled out, and the Chinese workers abandoned the operation,” Singa said.
She emphasised that the dam is the backbone of Lukosi’s survival and that the attempted takeover stripped the community of food security, water, and dignity.
The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has also waded into the dispute, accusing local leaders of colluding with the company.
The party alleged that Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo, Chief Charles Nekatambe, Headman Joseph Chanke, and Zinwa officials have betrayed the community in favour of foreign interests.
MRP leader MqindisiMoyo criticised local chiefs for failing to protect their subjects.
“To me the continued takeover of Lukosi Dam… is another Gukurahundi in the making,” Moyo said.
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