Business Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has extended to next month the deadline for companies to comply with regulations on water pollution to allow more time for implementation of remedial measures.
The regulatory authority had given firms linked to the pollution of Umguza River until the end of August to comply or risk paying heavy fines or face closure.

EMA spokesperson Steady Kangata said: “We’ve given those companies in Bulawayo that are polluting Umguza River up to the end of November to make sure that their operations are environmentally friendly.

“We’ll not hesitate to take measures that will see maximum protection of the environment. Thus, as an agency we’ll always monitor their operations and progress on adhering to environmental laws.”

In June this year, EMA launched a blitz that saw more than 10 companies in Bulawayo targeted for shut down for polluting the environment through negligent raw effluent discharge.

Among those implicated were the Bulawayo City Council, Delta Beverages, Cold Storage Company, United Refineries and Ingwebu Breweries.

The companies have also been ordered to treat their waste before discharge.

A recent report prepared by a Cabinet taskforce on pollution of Umguza River and its tributaries chaired by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo comprising five ministries including Health and Child Care, exposed an environmental disaster that was unfolding in Umguza.

The report indicated that industrial discharge fell in the “Red Class” under EMA disposal limits, with most companies dumping phosphates, ammonium and nitrates in the river.

 

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