Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE)-listed crocodile producer, Padenga Holdings has taken a bold step in environmental conservation by commissioning a US$1.2 million wastewater treatment plant in Kariba.
This investment reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and compliance with both local and international environmental standards.
The newly commissioned facility is part of Padenga’s broader strategy to align with global best practices in eco-friendly production.
Speaking on the development with the media last Saturday, Padenga Agri-business Chief Executive Officer, Garry Sharp, emphasised the company’s dedication to sustainability.
“We have an obligation to sustainability for the benefit of Zimbabwean citizens and to protect resources for future generations. Secondly, we must demonstrate to our customers that we are conforming to environmentally sustainable standards,” said Sharp.
Environmental experts have welcomed the initiative, highlighting its significance in combating pollution and mitigating climate change effects.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Director for Environmental Protection, Christopher Mushava, commended Padenga Holdings for taking a proactive approach to compliance.
“We strongly appreciate the strategic decision that Padenga Holdings has taken to align with environmental regulations. We hope other enterprises producing pollution will follow suit by implementing sustainable practices in their operations,” said Mushava.
He also emphasised that Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) prioritises environmental protection, climate resilience, and natural resource management as key pillars for achieving Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Senior Manager for Water Resources and Environmental Management, Engineer Bonface Mfula, highlighted the positive impact of the initiative on regional water conservation efforts.
“As custodians of the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba, we commend Padenga Holdings for taking a leadership role in environmental compliance. This move will help curb pollution in Lake Kariba, which has been under threat from fisheries, and will enhance regional integration in environmental conservation,” he said.
Padenga Holdings’ investment comes at a crucial time as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls this July.
The global summit will focus on environmental conservation, pollution control, and climate change mitigation.
With the commissioning of this state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, Padenga Holdings is setting a high standard for corporate environmental responsibility in Zimbabwe’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
