Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
A major environmental hazard has been declared following a diesel spillage in Mwenje River after a truck overturned along the Mazowe–Mvurwi Highway on Wednesday afternoon.
According to an official notice from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the accident occurred around 3pm at the 36-kilometre peg, approximately 100 metres from Mwenje River Bridge.
The truck, which was travelling from Harare to Mvurwi, overturned while carrying approximately 20 000 litres of diesel, a substance classified as a medium toxic chemical.
The spillage has contaminated a significant stretch of the river ecosystem.
EMA’s preliminary assessments indicate that the pollution extends from Makumbiri Bridge to Mwenje Dam, raising serious concerns over water safety for communities and farmers in the area.
Provincial environmental educationist Mr Maxwell Mupotsa warned the public against using river water for domestic or agricultural purposes, citing potential health and environmental risks.
Residents have also been urged to keep a safe distance from the accident site and avoid interfering with the vehicle or its contents.
“The Agency has undertaken a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment to guide ongoing clean-up efforts,” said Mr Mupotsa.
Emergency response teams, including Qurity Response Company, the Bindura Fire Brigade, EMA officials, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, are currently on the ground to contain the spillage and mitigate environmental damage.
Under Section 73 of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], the polluter is legally obligated to cover the costs of preventing, mitigating, and repairing environmental harm caused by such incidents.
Additionally, Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018 requires that accidental discharges of hazardous substances be reported to authorities within an hour, a provision aimed at ensuring rapid response to environmental threats.
Mr Mupotsa said the Agency will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as efforts to contain the spill progress.
