Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services Department has raised a red flag over the proliferation of illegal domestic gas vendors in the city, which has so far seen two explosion incidents that resulted in property losses.
In February, a Pelandaba West house whose occupants were illegally selling gas, had its roof ripped open when the gas exploded. One occupant was rushed to the hospital following burns to her body.
This week, a Honda Fit vehicle was reduced to a shell at Manyenziwa shopping centre in Nkulumane 12 when gas cylinders inside exploded. Gas was being sold from inside the vehicle.
“We are extremely concerned about these illegal gas selling points. They are not even observing the minimum safety standards, lives are at serious risk,” said Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo.
He said the brigade has been making raids, but the operation is making minimal or no impact due to low fines on offenders.
Mr Moyo said city council rangers confiscate the scales used by the vendors as a means to try and curtail their operations.
“Our fines are US$75, but those scales cost US$35, so the offender will just choose to buy another scale instead of paying the fine,” said Mr Moyo.
He said most of the illegal gas vending was concentrated in suburbs such as Lobengula, Pelandaba and Cowdray Park.
Mr Moyo said they will not relent in their fight to get rid of these illegal points as they are posing a real and present danger to the unsuspecting public.
“We previously were hesitant to confiscate the gas cylinders for safety reasons as we are constrained in terms of storage, as it may pose a danger to even ourselves; however, we are now left with no option but to confiscate these containers and properly dispose of them. We are doing this to protect innocent lives out there,” said Mr Moyo.
