Hwange Villagers Protest Chinese Firm’s Water Extraction From Community Dam

Tensions have escalated in Diki Village, Hwange Rural District, where community members are protesting against the extraction of water from Kalope Dam by Chinese-owned ZhongJin Heli Energy.

The company has constructed a pipeline intended to draw 300 megalitres from the dam, which was built through local community efforts.

Residents say the project was initiated without adequate consultation or consent from those who rely on the dam for irrigation and domestic use.

In response, ZhongJin Heli Energy has offered to fence the community’s irrigation scheme and install a centre pivot system as part of its contribution.

This week, five local farmers were arrested for allegedly obstructing company workers attempting to connect the pipeline to the dam.

The arrests have further fuelled concerns about the lack of dialogue and transparency in resource-related developments.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of disputes between Chinese business interests and Zimbabwean communities.

In recent years, clashes have emerged over mining operations, land use, and environmental degradation in areas such as Mutoko, Uzumba, and Chimanimani.

Environmentalists and human rights defenders argue that some projects proceed without meaningful engagement, while others raise concerns about labour practices and ecological impact.

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