By Desire Tshuma
CHITUNGWIZA – A group of Chitungwiza residents and ratepayers has petitioned the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), calling for urgent intervention over alleged industrial pollution they say is threatening public health, the environment and water sources in the town.
The petition, submitted by residents represented by contact person Felix Chihoro, accuses industries operating in the Chitungwiza Surface Industrial Area of discharging oily industrial effluent into a river behind the industrial zone, allegedly in violation of the Environmental Management Act.
According to the petition, the pollution is contaminating waterways that feed into Lake Chivero, the main source of raw water for Harare and Chitungwiza. The residents argue that continued discharge of untreated industrial waste has compromised water quality, increased purification costs and posed serious environmental and health risks.
The petitioners contend that industries are required by law to pre-treat their effluent before releasing it into sewer reticulation systems or the environment, but allege that these requirements are not being fully enforced.
They further argue that the “polluter pays” principle provided for under the Environmental Management Act has not been effectively implemented, claiming that pollution penalties are too low to deter offenders. As a result, they say, some companies find it cheaper to pollute than to comply with environmental regulations.
The residents cite constitutional provisions guaranteeing every person’s right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being, as well as the right to safe, clean and potable water. They also reference the constitutional mandate of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to investigate alleged human rights violations and recommend corrective action.
In their plea, the petitioners are requesting the Commission to investigate the alleged environmental rights violations, secure appropriate remedies, and recommend stronger legislative and enforcement measures to protect citizens’ rights to a clean environment and safe water.
They also want the Commission to undertake broader research into environmental pollution by corporations and its impact on human rights and social justice.
The petition concludes with a call for the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to urgently investigate the reported pollution in the Chitungwiza Surface Industrial Area and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the health, welfare and constitutional rights of residents.
If acted upon, the petition could place renewed focus on industrial waste management, environmental compliance and the protection of water resources that serve millions of people in Harare and the surrounding metropolitan areas.