Zimbabwe: Villagers accuse Chinese steel plant DISCO of land grabs & environmental damage; company denies wrongdoing
“Chinese steel plant: Zimbabwe's economic boon or environmental nightmare?” 30 October 2024
Zimbabwe is aiming to be home to Africa’s largest steel plant, but disputes over the project continue even as it ramps up production.
Over the past few months, villagers have been accusing the Chinese steel plant’s subsidiary Dinson Iron and Steel Company, or DISCO, of taking over their land without compensation, damaging the environment and not helping them relocate. There are also concerns that the project, along with the impact of the climate crisis, is impacting food security for villagers who live in areas near the plant...
DISCO, which is a subsidiary of Tsingshan Holding Group of China, touted as one of the world’s largest producers of stainless steel, denies any wrongdoing.
In June, some local villagers staged a protest and attempted to block DISCO’s trucks from entering the plant. The villagers accused the company of forcing residents off their farmland with no compensation, resulting in food shortages and severe dust pollution...
A September report released by Centre for Natural Resource Governance concluded that Chinese mining operations in Zimbabwe are not necessarily mutually beneficial...The villages near the DISCO “plant have been conspicuously excluded from engagement platforms” by the Chinese company, the report found...
DISCO’s spokesperson, Joseph Shoko has denied any wrongdoing and told VOA the company is committed to environmental compliance and is investing in state-of-the-art sewage ponds and chimneys...
Shoko said DISCO has also been supporting 22 seniors who are considered the head of households with US $200 a month for food since February until they are relocated to a new place to live...Shoko added that younger residents are offered job opportunities instead of monetary assistance. Additionally, the company is prioritizing these residents for employment opportunities as they await relocation...
In response to VOA's request for comment, the EMA [Zimbabwe’s environmental standards agency, the Environmental Management Authority] said that there are currently no environmental violations at the Dinson-Manhize plant...