EMA to descend on motorists over fuel containers

The maximum fine for the offence is $5 000.
Repeat offenders would be sent to court for stiffer sentences.
From last week, filling stations in Bulawayo have been refusing to sell fuel to people with plastic containers, demanding that they bring their cars or jerry cans.
Although the law regarding filling stations has been around for a number of years, most filling stations in the city only started actively following the law last week.
In an interview on Friday, EMA’s publicity officer Mr Steady Kangata said the agency would be enforcing Statutory Instrument 12 of 2007 of the Environmental Management Act Chapter 20:27.
The Act defines hazardous substances as: “Any substance whether solid, liquid or gas, which can be injurious to human beings, other organisms or the environment.”
SI 12/07 deals with the handling of hazardous substances.
“Improper handling of hazardous substances makes them become dangerous to people, animals and the environment. Plastic containers are not suitable for transporting fuel. EMA is on a campaign to educate the public about the numerous dangers and soon, the law will be enforced,” said Mr Kangata.
He said fuel in a jerry can is as secure as fuel in a car’s tank.
Mr Kangata said it was also a condition for the issuing of a service station licence that fuel          should not be sold to people who bring plastic containers.
“Dangerous fumes that can cause fires escape from plastic containers. Spills caused by improper handling find their way into the environment. When it rains, everything is transported to rivers and the toxins become a threat to marine life and animals and humans who drink from the river,” said Mr Kangata.
He said the agency would continue monitoring filling stations and motorists to ensure compliance.
“Every little bit that we do to preserve the environment for future generations counts. Let us all co-operate to make the world a better place for our children. Those who need more information or want to increase their understanding of environmental issues can call our offices at (04) 305543,” he said.
Meanwhile, motorists, especially commuter omnibus drivers, have been hard hit by the development.
“We are not making much. We always travel on the minimum possible fuel so that money is saved for other things. I love the environment and I know these guys are doing their job, but this is a bit insensitive. This five-litre container is the most convenient way for me to get fuel whenever it runs out on the road, with passengers in my vehicle,” said Mr Conrad Majaya, a kombi driver.
A private motorist, who declined to be named, did not mince his words.
“Where do these EMA people expect me to accommodate a jerry can in this small car? What is really wrong with the plastics? Someone needs to save us from these overzealous environmentalists,” said the motorist.
Mr Edward Nyathi, an instructor at a driving school, said people needed to be thoroughly educated on environmental issues to appreciate the good work that was being done by EMA.
“The agency has been lenient on a number of issues, at the expense of the environment, which really belongs to future generations.
“They should have enforced these laws a long time ago to be at par with international trends. Vigorous education campaigns are the answer to resistance, often caused by ignorance,” said Mr Nyathi.