Kariba – Padenga Agribusiness (PAB) has reinforced its commitment to environmental compliance and sustainable resource management with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art $1.2 million wastewater treatment plant in Kariba.
The facility, equipped with advanced effluent filtration and purification technologies, is designed to ensure that wastewater discharged from PAB’s operations meets both local regulatory benchmarks and stringent international environmental standards.
PAB Chief Executive Officer Gary Sharp emphasized that environmental compliance is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic imperative for maintaining access to the global luxury market, particularly the exotic skins trade, which is valued at approximately $4.5 billion.
“Our farms undergo rigorous third-party audits covering everything from animal welfare to environmental impact. Non-compliance in any area—including wastewater management—could result in severe trade restrictions, limiting access to high-end buyers,” Sharp stated.
The new treatment plant, developed in collaboration with Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Agency (EMA), will prevent untreated effluent from contaminating local waterways, mitigating environmental degradation—a growing concern in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
EMA’s Environmental Protection Director, Christopher Mushava, lauded PAB’s proactive investment, underscoring the importance of industry-led sustainability initiatives.
“Padenga Agribusiness has set a benchmark in environmental stewardship. This facility ensures compliance while demonstrating a long-term commitment to sustainable agribusiness practices,” Mushava said.
The plant is expected to serve as a model for other agricultural enterprises, reinforcing the intersection between corporate responsibility, environmental governance, and global market competitiveness.
