Harare, Zimbabwe – A proposed Redan fuel station at the corner of Nemakonde Way and Monmouth Road in Avondale has sparked heated debate, with local residents voicing strong objections over environmental, safety, and procedural concerns.
The controversy highlights broader issues of urban development, regulatory oversight, and the need for robust environmental protection in Zimbabwe’s rapidly growing capital.
Community Outcry Over Consultation and Environmental Impact
At a recent community meeting attended by residents, officials from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), City of Harare, the Fire Brigade, and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), residents expressed frustration over what they described as inadequate consultation and a lack of transparency in the approval process for the fuel station.
“We need itemized information with everything that’s going to be put here,” demanded one resident, questioning the completeness of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted by Redan’s consultants.
“The report is very brief, very fake. How exactly do you think the residents are supposed to understand the real impact?” another resident added, reflecting widespread skepticism about the project’s environmental review.
Residents also raised alarm over the station’s proximity to a pre-school (Wise Owl) and existing petrol stations, citing potential risks to public safety and the environment.
“You are still going ahead despite the residents’ objections,” one community member said, stressing the perception that their concerns were being sidelined.
Allegations of Irregularities and Calls for Transparency
The meeting was marked by allegations of corruption and procedural irregularities.
Some residents claimed that the development plan had been modified without proper public input, and questioned whether legal requirements for consultation had been met.
“There were allegations of corruption and bribery in the approval process, with residents claiming that the development plan was modified without proper consultation,” a resident who resides close to the site noted.
Officials from EMA acknowledged the need for further verification and community engagement.
“As the consultants submit the report to us, we then verify with the residents,” an EMA representative explained, emphasizing the agency’s role in ensuring that public input is considered before any final decision is made.
Regulatory and Legal Context
Under Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], fuel stations are classified as prescribed projects that require a full Environmental Impact Assessment before construction can begin.
The EIA process is designed to assess potential environmental, social, and economic impacts, and mandates public consultation to ensure that affected communities have a say in developments that may affect them.
The EMA is responsible for reviewing and approving EIA reports, while ZERA oversees licensing and technical standards for fuel stations. Local authorities, such as the City of Harare, are tasked with urban planning and must ensure that all developments comply with environmental and safety regulations.
Broader Trends in Urban Development and Environmental Protection
The Avondale dispute is not an isolated incident. Across Harare and other urban centers in Zimbabwe, similar controversies have erupted over the siting of fuel stations near schools, residential areas, and other sensitive locations. These disputes often center on issues of public consultation, transparency, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Harare faces significant environmental challenges, including poor waste management, water pollution, and the impacts of rapid urbanization. The city is currently working on new policies to promote sustainability and community engagement, but resource constraints and political complexities remain major hurdles.
Officials Urge Adherence to Environmental Standards
Officials at the meeting reiterated the importance of following legal procedures and protecting the environment.
“We are here to discuss this project because it is our duty to ensure that all developments comply with environmental and safety standards,” said an EMA official.
The Fire Brigade also emphasized the need for strict adherence to fire safety regulations, given the risks associated with fuel storage and dispensing.
Residents Demand Genuine Engagement
As the debate continues, residents are calling for greater transparency, meaningful consultation, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
“We want to be part of the process, not just informed after decisions have been made,” said a local resident.
“Protecting our environment and our community should come first.”
The EMA has pledged to review the EIA report in detail and to verify its findings with the community before any final approval is granted. The City of Harare has also indicated that no development will proceed without full compliance with environmental and planning regulations.
