Redcliff Mayor Vincent Shangwa Masiiwa has taken a stand against pollution caused by Livetouch, a Chinese cement-making company, in response to complaints from Stoneclare residents. The residents have raised concerns about the massive dust emissions from the company’s operations and the lack of community benefits.
In addressing the issue, Mayor Masiiwa engaged in discussions with Livetouch representatives to find a solution for the pollution problem. Livetouch has since promised to take measures to mitigate the dust emissions affecting the community.
In addition to the environmental concerns, residents have criticized Livetouch for not contributing to local infrastructure development, such as maintaining roads and building community facilities.
Masiiwa confirmed that Livetouch had pledged to build a community clinic in Rutendo, demonstrating their commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company has also completed the construction of two classroom blocks at Mafidhi Primary School.
Livetouch spokesperson, George Makonese said they are carrying out several CSR projects benefitting the community.
“We have done a lot in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility in Redcliff and particularly for Stoneclare. We have employed youth, constructed classroom blocks at Mafidhi Primary and we support council’s monthly clean-up campaigns. We have done a lot that the local authority is aware of.
“It is not true that our company is emitting dust to the community because we are the cleanest cement factory in the country. There are no dust emissions at our plant,” he said.
The Combined Redcliff Residents Association Trust (CORRA) is particularly unhappy with the little that the community is benefitting from the Chinese company.
“We are not benefitting anything from Livetouch. All we get is exposure to dang3rous dust. The company is not ploughing back anything,” said a resident who declined to be named.
SOURCE : MASVINGO MIRROR
