Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intensified highway patrols in Matabeleland South to enforce regulations governing the transportation of hazardous substances and protect public safety and the environment.
The agency recently conducted a week-long operation spearheaded by its Gwanda office and Beitbridge Border Post station.
EMA Matabeleland South environmental education and publicity officer Mr Simon Musasiwa said the operation was prompted by continued disregard of regulations governing the transportation of dangerous goods and hazardous materials on public roads.
He said the patrols were aimed at promoting compliance, preventing environmental damage and raising awareness among transport operators.
“We conducted an intensive highway patrol operation aimed at monitoring the transportation of hazardous substances, enforcing environmental laws, and safeguarding public safety along Zimbabwe’s major transport corridors,” he said.
“Under the operation, which ran for a week, two dedicated patrol teams were deployed to cover key highway routes which include Beitbridge–Masvingo, Beitbridge–Bulawayo, and Bulawayo–Shangani highways.”
Mr Musasiwa said officers inspected 109 vehicles and transport operators during the operation, recording an overall compliance rate of 74,3 percent.
He said 81 operators were found to be fully compliant with environmental and safety standards, while 28 committed various infractions, resulting in 29 recorded offences.
“The primary violations included transporting hazardous substances without a valid licence. This constituted the majority of violations, with 27 cases recorded,” said Mr Musasiwa.
He said another operator was cited for failure to properly label or placard a vehicle carrying hazardous substances, while one case involved littering.
The agency said the patrols would also serve as an opportunity to educate transporters on the importance of complying with environmental and safety regulations when carrying hazardous materials.
@DubeMatutu
