News / Regional
WATCH: Hwange villagers challenge Chinese firm over water extraction from community-built Kalope Dam
2 hrs ago |
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Villagers in Hwange, Matabeleland North, have staged protests against Chinese mining company ZhongJin Heli Energy for extracting water from the community-built Kalope Dam without local consent.
The demonstration, led by the Greater Change Residents Trust, brought together residents of Diki Village in Hwange Rural District to oppose the construction of a pipeline designed to siphon water from the dam.
"The company has constructed a pipeline intended to draw 300 megalitres from our dam without consulting the community," said one resident.
In exchange, ZhongJin Heli Energy reportedly offered to fence the community’s irrigation scheme—which relies on the dam—and install a center pivot system. However, villagers argue that these promises do not justify the unilateral takeover of their water source.
Tensions escalated when five local farmers were arrested for allegedly obstructing the company’s workers from connecting to the dam.
"This dam was built by the community. It sustains our crops, our livelihoods. We won’t allow outsiders to take it without our permission," said another villager.
The standoff highlights growing resistance to foreign exploitation of local resources, with villagers insisting that development must be community-led and transparent.
The demonstration, led by the Greater Change Residents Trust, brought together residents of Diki Village in Hwange Rural District to oppose the construction of a pipeline designed to siphon water from the dam.
"The company has constructed a pipeline intended to draw 300 megalitres from our dam without consulting the community," said one resident.
In exchange, ZhongJin Heli Energy reportedly offered to fence the community’s irrigation scheme—which relies on the dam—and install a center pivot system. However, villagers argue that these promises do not justify the unilateral takeover of their water source.
Tensions escalated when five local farmers were arrested for allegedly obstructing the company’s workers from connecting to the dam.
"This dam was built by the community. It sustains our crops, our livelihoods. We won’t allow outsiders to take it without our permission," said another villager.
The standoff highlights growing resistance to foreign exploitation of local resources, with villagers insisting that development must be community-led and transparent.
Source - Byo24News
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