Health and Environment
CHEGUTU – Bryden Country School has launched a fierce legal battle against Chinese-owned Shuntai Holdings over the construction of a cement factory just 497 meters from its boundary, igniting fears of catastrophic health and environmental consequences for students.
Former Education Minister David Coltart condemned the standoff:
“This is simply outrageous! How can we allow one of our finest schools to be threatened by a company that will rape our resources, shift profits to China, and destroy an educational institution?”
Timeline of Defiance:
- February 2025: Shuntai disclosed factory plans near the school and adjacent Seventh Day Adventist institutions.
- April 2025: Environmental Management Agency (EMA) approved contested ESIA report despite school objections.
- July 25: High Court found Shuntai in contempt after site visit – yet construction continues.
Bryden’s Board revealed in a parent circular:
“We discovered zero documentation authorizing industrial operations in this education zone. EMA certified a flawed impact assessment ignoring critical health concerns.”
Mounting Health Crisis:
Parents and students report:
· Choking dust clouds
· Toxic fumes from kilns
· Structural damage from blasting
· Constant machinery noise disrupting classes
“The High Court’s stop order exists only on paper,” a teacher disclosed anonymously.
“Trucks roll in daily while our children cough through lessons.”
Call to Action:
The Board urges nationwide support:
“Generations of learners face irreversible harm. We need immediate government intervention to halt this thuggery.”
Zim GBC News©2025