Herald Reporter
THE High Court has dismissed an application to halt a major cement manufacturing plant in Chegutu, granting Shuntai Investments (Private) Limited the legal clearance to proceed with the project.
The legal challenge was brought by Bryden Country School Trust, which sought a final interdict against the project.
In the judgment, the High Court discharged the provisional order that had temporarily suspended the project, thereby granting Shuntai Investments the green light to proceed with the implementation of its cement manufacturing operations.
The ruling brings to an end months of a bruising legal battle between the two parties.
Shuntai Investments was represented by Mr Tonderai Abraham Mandizvidza of Masiya-Sheshe & Associates Legal Practitioners, while Scanlen & Holderness Legal Practitioners acted on behalf of Bryden Country School Trust.
In a statement issued following the judgment, Shuntai Investments expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a vindication of its adherence to Zimbabwe’s regulatory and environmental laws.
“We are pleased to advise all stakeholders, partners and members of the Chegutu community that the High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed the application for a final interdict and discharged the provisional order that had halted our project,” the company said.
Shuntai Investments confirmed that it had fully complied with all legal and environmental requirements, including obtaining a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) after a rigorous evaluation process.
“This decision affirms our commitment to operate within Zimbabwe’s legal framework and to uphold the highest environmental and community standards,” the statement added.
The Chegutu cement project is expected to play a key role in supporting Zimbabwe’s drive towards self-sufficiency in cement production and industrialisation towards Vision 2030, to become an upper-middle-class economy.
Among other benefits, the project is expected to boost domestic cement supply and reduce reliance on imports, create employment for the local community and spur the growth of the downstream industries and also infrastructure.
Shuntai Investments further reaffirmed its dedication to transparent engagement with all stakeholders — including local authorities, community leaders and educational institutions — to ensure that its operations promote sustainable industrial development consistent with national environmental policies.
Mr Tonderai Abraham Mandizvidza, representing Shuntai Investments, said the judgment provides legal certainty and clears the way for the company to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s industrial growth.
“The court’s decision is a significant endorsement of due process and compliance with national laws. Shuntai Investments remains committed to responsible investment that benefits both the economy and the community,” he said.
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