By Paul Ndou
Koala abattoir is in trouble after it was dragged to Harare civil court by Chitungwiza Twin residents over air pollution along Seke Road.
The case was raised by twins, who regularly use Seke Road.
The lawsuit claims the company has been releasing harmful pollutants into the air, posing a risk to public health.
The Twins allegies that the air which is being polluted by the Cattle, which belongs to Kaola Abattoir, exposes millions of people to health related issues.
These include :Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, particulate matter and carcinogens,
Cardiovascular Diseases, Arrhythmias and heart failure Lower, pneumonia and bronchitis, neurological disorders
Similar cases in Zimbabwe have seen residents and environmental groups taking companies to task over pollution. In a related case, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela) and villagers sued diamond mining companies in Marange district for polluting water sources, exposing inhabitants to diseases like cancer, cholera, and typhoid.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has also taken action against polluters, fining local authorities and companies for water pollution, and issuing fines worth up to US$80,000 between 2011 and 2022.
The court case is ongoing, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for environmental accountability in Zimbabwe.