Five residents from Diki in Hwange Rural District face charges after demonstrating against the Chinese company ZhongJin Heli Energy over unauthorized water extraction from Kolepe Dam. The arrested protesters include four women and one man who objected to pipeline construction designed to divert water from the community reservoir. Ward councillor Wonder Ncube confirmed that he previously faced arrest over the same dispute, and he warned that the project threatens water supplies for 73 farmers using the Lukosi irrigation scheme.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority approved the company's water access despite community opposition, but villagers argue they constructed the dam themselves. Village Head Joseph Change acknowledged that a government meeting attended by Minister Richard Moyo resulted in approval for the water diversion, though farmers remained silent out of respect or fear. Hwange District Residents Association chairperson Herbert Ncube accused unnamed officials of accepting bribes to facilitate the arrangement, and he condemned the decision as undermining government support for local agriculture.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority approved the company's water access despite community opposition, but villagers argue they constructed the dam themselves. Village Head Joseph Change acknowledged that a government meeting attended by Minister Richard Moyo resulted in approval for the water diversion, though farmers remained silent out of respect or fear. Hwange District Residents Association chairperson Herbert Ncube accused unnamed officials of accepting bribes to facilitate the arrangement, and he condemned the decision as undermining government support for local agriculture.
