By Donald Nyarota
HWANGE-Frustrated residents of Ngotsha Flats, Ward 14, which falls under Hwange Local Board, took to the streets recently mounting barricades to block the passage of heavy trucks that have made life unbearable for the community.
The road, which runs through the concession area near Ward14 residential area has become a major route for trucks transporting coal and other mining-related materials, generating excessive dust and endangering public health.
A Growing Crisis
For years, the Old Vic Falls Road has deteriorated due to constant heavy-truck traffic. The road, once a simple strip road, has never been properly rehabilitated, and has turned into a dusty thoroughfare. Residents, particularly those with young children, are complaining of health impacts from constant exposure to fine dust particles.
“The dust is unbearable, the local people are really suffering because of it. The companies responded by sending out scouts to assess the situation but never acted to address community concerns instead they reported the blockade to the police.
“There are a lot of trucks using this road and engaging the mining companies has been a struggle hence the community too,” said Tinashe Matika a local youth activist.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the road passes through key community facilities, including the local clinic and residential areas along North Colliery and Airport Lane. Despite previous discussions with companies operating in the area—including Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), Zhong Jian, South Mining Plant B, Chaba, and Titan Energy Investments—no tangible solutions have been implemented.
On Tuesday evening (March 25th), frustrated by years of inaction, residents decided to take matters into their own hands, erecting barricades to block the truck movement. Their goal was to pressure companies and authorities into addressing their grievances.
The police arrived around 4 PM and engaged with the protestors, informing them that it was illegal to set up roadblocks, leading to the removal of barricades and the trucks resumed their movement through the community.
While no arrests were made initially, police officers returned later that night, in large numbers, with intention to detain protest leaders. Some residents fled into nearby bushes, while others stood their ground.
A prominent local leader, a war veteran named as Mr Aaron Rundofa who is a provincial chair of the War Veterans Association (Matabeleland North), played a crucial role in holding authorities accountable. He intervened when the police tried to arrest the residents, ensuring their concerns were heard.
Companies failing corporate citizenship litmus test
Farai Maguwu, Executive Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), has emphasized that community frustrations are justified and has urged local corporations to adopt responsible practices. He stressed that concerns raised by local communities should be taken seriously and addressed promptly, adding that profits must not be prioritized over the health of the local population.
Maguwu said the companies operating in the area exhibit bad corporate citizenship. He urged them to engage the Hwange Local Board and find work together to address the concerns of the residents.
What’s Next for the Community?
Residents argue that an alternative route exists, and companies have previously claimed to be pooling resources to develop it. However, the community has not been properly engaged in these discussions, and no real progress has been made.
The need for a long-term solution is urgent. While discussions may be happening at district and company levels, information does not always trickle down to the residents who are directly affected. Without proper communication and action, frustrations will continue to mount.
For now, the barricades are gone, the trucks are back, and the residents of Ngotsha Flats remain trapped in an environment where dust clouds their homes, their health compromised, and their future in jeopardy.