By Staff Reporter

Redcliff-based Diamond Cement manufacturer, Livetouch Investments, is yet to comply fully with environmental regulations aimed at curbing pollution affecting residents in Stoneclare, according to an environmental watchdog.

Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Kwekwe District Officer Daniel Magombedze told stakeholders during a meeting last Wednesday that Livetouch has not yet achieved 100 percent compliance with environmental regulation standards.

“In terms of the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, the company is not compliant, and in terms of our Act, we cannot say it is compliant. That is why we are still pursuing them to comply,” Magombedze said.

He added that while the company has partly addressed some issues on their mitigation plan, it still falls short of meeting the required standards.

“They have partly addressed some of the areas that we ordered them to work on, but it’s not to our satisfaction,” said Magombedze.

He noted that the agency would continue monitoring the company until all outstanding issues are resolved.

Livetouch Safety, Health, and Environmental Officer Etwin Tembo said the company is working to address the issues and will conduct another survey on dust emissions.

Redcliff Mayor Vincent Shangwa urged the company to tar the roads leading to its premises to reduce dust emissions.

Combined Redcliff Residents Association treasurer Mahlupi Sithole acknowledged improvements but emphasized that more needs to be done.

“The situation has changed for the better, but there is a need to address the roads; that’s where the dust is coming from. In terms of compliance within the company premises, there is now compliance,” said Sithole.

Earlier this year, Livetouch was in the spotlight following complaints from residents regarding dust pollution in the vicinity of the company. The company has since stated that it is working on a dust mitigation plan.