The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has directed Wih-Zim Cement to immediately stop building its Magunje facility after inspectors discovered the company violated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, including neglecting to compensate families displaced by the project.
Wih-Zim Cement was fined US$5,000 for failing to comply with the rules, and an enforcement order was issued requiring all construction activities to cease until the company meets the conditions outlined in its EIA certificate.
According to an EMA inspection report dated July 16, 2025, the company proceeded with the project without fulfilling obligations related to relocating and compensating affected households.
This inspection followed a provisional High Court order and complaints from local residents. It found that at least 20 families lost farmland due to a road diversion, and one home remains within the construction zone.
Village Head Kapere informed inspectors that construction continued despite the High Court’s directive to halt work until compensation was provided.
The affected community was represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Inspectors observed that Wih-Zim had cleared 10 hectares, installed a concrete mixer capable of producing 225 cubic meters per hour, and started building housing for 600 employees—all before relocating the displaced families as required.
Additionally, the company failed to secure a Communal Lands Occupation Certificate from the Hurungwe Rural District Council, further breaching legal requirements.
EMA emphasized the importance of ongoing oversight, noting that the cement plant project is highly sensitive and cannot move forward until the company properly compensates and relocates those impacted, in accordance with the law.
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