20,000 individuals, the community leaders said. For example, at least four secondary schools and 18 primary schools would be forced to close, and there are no plans to reopen them elsewhere.140 A ZMDC official supported the view that relocation plans were premature and without merit, and noted that the ZMDC had not yet done a comprehensive exploration to determine whether or not relocation might be necessary.141 Some local people believed that the proposed relocation is a ZANU-PF project designed to punish the people of Marange for voting overwhelmingly for the opposition MDC in the March 29, 2008 elections.142 Human Rights Watch has established that Zimbabwean authorities have so far failed to comply with several consultation and compensation requirements. On February 1, 2009, the then governor of Manicaland, Chris Mushohwe, accompanied by a group of soldiers, informed the local community gathered at Chiadzwa primary school that relocation of the community was imminent and that the government would not compensate anyone.143 A villager who attended the address said Mushohwe informed villagers that Chiadzwa and Mukwada wards were to be evicted by mid-2009 to make way for mining operations. There was no consultation about the proposed move.144 The ZMDC has not carried out an environmental impact assessment in Marange. Neither has the government conducted one in Kondozi farm, the proposed site of relocation. Fear has muted community opposition. One local leader told Human Rights Watch that because of the involvement of the military, the leaders in Marange were too scared to openly oppose relocation or seek legal representation to challenge the proposed evictions.145 The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) told Human Rights Watch that any relocation of the local community currently living in and around the diamond fields should be in strict accordance with domestic environmental law and international standards regarding relocations and compensation for the displaced.146 Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Act, 2002 (Chapter 20:27), obliges the state or relevant private authorities to “carry out environmental impact assessment[s] before undertaking any mining or relocation and put in place required management procedures and plans, ensure informed public 140 Human Rights Watch interviews with local councillors B.K. and F.M., Marange, February 22, 2009. 141 Human Rights Watch interview with ZMDC official M.M., Marange, February 21, 2009. 142 Human Rights Watch interview with local community leader, Marange, February 21, 2009. 143 Human Rights Watch interview with local councillor B.K., Marange, February 21, 2009. 144 Human Rights Watch interview with villager R.C., Marange, February 20, 2009. 145 Human Rights Watch interviews with local leaders J.M., D.M., and C.D., Marange, February 22, 2009. 146 Human Rights Watch interview with ZELA officials S.M. and M.M., Harare, February 26, 2009. 45 Human Rights Watch | June 2009