Zimbabweans have every right to be angry about silted rivers, destroyed wetlands, deforestation, noise pollution and contaminated water. But blaming “the Chinese” as a default response is intellectual laziness. Nationality is not the problem. Weak enforcement, corruption and our own willingness to tolerate wrongdoing are the problem.
Let’s tell the truth: we damage our own environment too. Sand poaching, illegal brick-making, riverbank cultivation and reckless artisanal mining – including practices that pollute water systems – are not foreign imports. They are local choices. The river doesn’t care who did it. Communities suffer either way.
Yes, some foreign-linked operations are accused in public debate. But the real question is simple: how does any operator stay open without compliance? Because permits are abused, inspections are inconsistent, monitoring is under-resourced, and bribery or interference turns law into a suggestion. That is on us – not any foreigner.
The law is already clear. The Environmental Management Act empowers EMA to regulate pollution, protect wetlands and require EIAs before projects begin – and it applies to everyone. What is missing is discipline: consistent enforcement, transparent EIA processes, publicised penalties, and zero tolerance for “arrangements”.
So here is the standard Zimbabwe must enforce: investment is welcome, but compliance is non-negotiable. And citizens must stop outsourcing blame while tolerating local environmental crime. If we won’t protect our land ourselves, no partner – Chinese or otherwise – will do it for us.
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