adminZimbabwe is one country which has made great strides in prioritising environmental issues in its development agenda. This has consequently created keen interest among its citizens as people now see the need to take environmental issues seriously. However, there are common questions which people frequently ask about EMA .The following are some of the questions:
• What is EMA?
EMA is short for Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
• Which Ministry does EMA belong to?
EMA is a parastatal under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Management.
• What is EMA’s mandate?
Its mandate is to ensure the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
• Where does EMA derive its mandate?
EMA gets it mandate from the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) /Act number 13 of 2002. The act came into force on the 17 March 2003 through Statutory Instrument 103 of 2003.
• Where did EMA originate from?
It was formed through the merging of three different departments and units, which include the Department of Natural Resources and ZINWA Water Quality Section, as well as Ministry of Health and Child Welfare’s Hazardous Substances and Atmospheric Pollution Sections and the Agency started operating on the 1st of January 2007.
• How does EMA offer its services?
The Agency is organised into two departments namely Environmental Protection (EP) and Environmental Management Services (EMS). Environmental Protection is a department responsible for enforcing environmental legislation and setting up of environmental quality standards. Environmental Management Services is a department mandated to collect, produce and disseminate environmental information to society.
• Why are plastic containers (izigubhu) not suitable for carrying fuel?
Statutory Instrument 12 of 2007 on hazardous substances, pesticides and other toxic susbstances on packaging states that:
4 (1) No person shall package a hazardous substance in a container unless the container and its closure:
• Will not react chemically or physically with the hazardous substances which it is to contain; and
• Are of sufficient strength, under the ordinary risks of handling and transporting, to prevent the escape of any of its contents.
It is against this background that service station are implementing clause 4(1)(b) of the regulations because most containers brought to service stations are not of sufficient strength e.g use Mazoe containers and hence the blanket ban.
• What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and why is it important?
Environmental Impact Assessment is a planning tool used to identify, predict and assess potential impacts (either positive or negative) that may arise from planned projects and recommended ways of minimising negative and enhancing the positive ones. S.I 7 of 2007 (Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecosystems Protection) provides for implementation of EIA. The S.I. 7 of 2007 compels prescribed projects listed under the first schedule of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) to undergo an EIA process prior to implementation.
An EIA is necessary because it helps to inform the decision making process by identifying the potentially significant environmental effects and available options to decision makers. It also helps to promote sustainable development through critical consideration of project impacts on resources, ecological functions and livelihood of communities and people who are dependent on the resources.
NB: For an EIA to work well, it should be considered at the time the project is conceptualised (feasibility) to avoid the delays in projects implementation on account of the EIA.
• How are emission licences categorised?
It is an offence to emit pollutants without a licence. The classes are as follows:
• A blue licence in respect of a discharge which is considered to be environmentally friendly.
• A green licence in respect of a discharge which is considered to present low environmental hazard.
• A yellow licence in respect of a discharge which is considered to present a medium environmental hazard.
• A red licence in respect of a discharge which is considered to present high environmental hazard.
Operators of any establishments emitting substances likely to cause air pollution are advised to apply for emission licences from the Agency. The licences do not apply to vehicles.
• Why are hazardous substances transporters not allowed to travel anytime?
Hazardous substances are substances whether solid, liquid or gaseous, or any organism which is injurious to human health or the environment. Hence, the transportation of hazardous substances must be done under a licence/permit (S.I. 7 of 2007). Transporters of hazardous substances have to travel at confined times due to the nature of substances they carry. Transporters must travel between 0600 hours -1800 hours, such that in case of an accidental spillage a quick response to the site is done.
NB: Any accidental spillage must be reported to EMA both verbally and in writing within 8 hours and transporters should ensure that the area is cleaned up to retain its usable state.
• Why were thin plastic bags banned in Zimbabwe?
Thin plastics were banned from being distributed due to their negative impact they have on our environment, some of the effects include:
• Thin plastics are not bio-degradable (a product over time is unable to breakdown into the natural components of nature itself).
• They are not reusable
• These plastics easily give in or tear off to the disadvantage of consumers who are likely to lose their fragile goods.
• Lead to double and triple bagging where several plastic bags are needed to sustain groceries, adding to much unwanted waste/ecological footprint.
Resulting in:
• Clogging of sewer reticulation systems leading to constant sewer bursts exposing people to health risks such as cholera.
• Clogging of water reticulation systems giving rise to constant pipe bursts and water rationing.
• Choking of storm drains leading to flash floods and water poodles conducive for mosquito breeding.
• Death of livestock after eating plastic
• Littering
Use shopping bags and baskets when going out for shopping and also avoid plastic bags that are thin (less than 30 microns in thickness)
As we approach the fire season please ensure that you have put in place standard fireguards that are at least 9m wide. Report all unattended fires in your area to EMA, Forestry Commission or ZRP.
Please talk to us we are always ready to listen. Email: [email protected] or call us on 04 310084/705661-2/ Toll free 08080028
Online Reporter