Residents of Ward 15 in Mvuma are rising up against the Manhize Dinson Iron and Steel Company, a multi-billion-dollar corporation accused of prioritizing profits over people. The community is facing severe health hazards that are affecting their daily lives.
The dust-filled air from haulage trucks on the busy Mavise-Manhize road is choking the life out of inhabitants, particularly at Kushinga Primary School. Children struggle to breathe, learn, and survive in an environment where dust pollution is rampant. Furthermore, alleged sewage dumping into the Munyati River, the sole source of drinking water for locals, has further exacerbated the situation, posing serious health risks to the community.
The company’s refusal to repair damaged roads has left residents feeling abandoned and helpless. Many are calling for urgent action to address the issue, describing the company’s inaction as “cruel.” Residents accuse their leaders of failing to represent their interests and demand justice and action from the company and government.
Amai Sibanda, a concerned parent, shares her experience: “My child comes home with a constant cough, and her eyes are always red and itchy. How can we expect her to learn in such conditions? We’ve tried to talk to the company, but they just ignore us.”
The situation is particularly dire in Mushenjere, where villagers were forced to vacate their ancestral land, leaving behind fertile soils and a beautiful dam. The once-lush vegetation is now dying due to heavy dust, and crop performance has deteriorated significantly. A villager from Mushenjere laments, “We’ve lost our livelihoods, our heritage, and our dignity. What more can they take from us?”
Residents are demanding immediate action to address these issues. They want the company to take responsibility for their actions and provide a safe and healthy environment. A resident says, “We want our children to be able to breathe, learn, and live without the threat of dust and pollution.”
The community’s demands include immediate action to reduce dust pollution, investigation into alleged sewage dumping, repair of damaged roads, compensation for villagers who lost their ancestral land, and a safe and healthy environment for children.
A young girl’s voice echoes the community’s sentiment: “I just want to breathe, to learn, and to live.” Will their voices be heard? The residents of Ward 15 will not be silenced; they will continue to fight for their rights, health, and future.
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