By Nobleman Runyanga
The construction of the Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technonoly (MUAST) is set to commence soon, the Harare Post has learnt.
In an environmental impact assessment (EIA) stakeholder consultation notice issued this week, the university indicated that it was intent on constructing a campus on its 789 hectare Clover Hill Farm which is situated some seven kilometres south east of Marondera.
In order to set the construction programme rolling, the tertiary institution has commissioned an environmental consultancy, the Engineer Betty Nhachi-owned, BN Environmental Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd, to carry out an EIA.
“The proposed development will interact heavily with the natural environment both during and post construction. It is, therefore, important to anticipate the consequences of the development on the environment including flora and fauna, human persons and businesses in the area. The size and characteristics of the project requires a full EIA to be conducted in accordance with the Environmental Management Act of 2003, Chapter 20: 27,” read part of the statement.
In view of the likely impact of the project on the human and natural environment and in line with the dictates of the environmental management legislation, the consultancy is reaching out to all stakeholders to solicit their anxieties and concerns.
“The Environmental Management Act of 2003 Chapter 20:27 requires that a stakeholder consultation exercise be carried out to ensure that all interested and affected parties are made aware of the project,” read the statement.
“We are therefore inviting you to comment and give us your views and concerns (envirinmental, social and economic) that might relate to this project. Members of the public are encouraged to subject their comments no later than 5 May 2019,” read the notice.
The university is currently under the auspices of the University of Zimbabwe pending the construction of its own campus. It is part of Government’s programme of establishing a State university in each of the country’s ten administrative provinces to ensure improved access to tertiary by students.
