Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency has launched a province-wide compliance operation in Harare Metropolitan, targeting illegal sand mining, unlicensed sale of hazardous substances and poor waste management.
In a statement yesterday, EMA said the enforcement drive was focusing on “a wide range of environmental issues”, including unauthorised sand transportation and abstraction, unlawful possession and sale of hazardous substances such as paints, LPG, agrochemicals and engine oils, operation of boilers and generators without licences and poor solid waste management practices.
“Inspections are being carried out in all the local authorities of Harare Metropolitan Province. The operation is ongoing, targeting entities and individuals not complying with Environmental statutes,” EMA said in a statement.
To date, the agency confirmed that over 300 environmental offenders have been issued with tickets for various violations. Specific offences cited include transporting sand and hazardous substances without permits, operating commercial air emission appliances without valid licenses and selling hazardous substances without licenses.
EMA invoked the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27), to warn operators against non-compliance.
“No person shall manufacture, store, sell, use, import, export, transport or distribute hazardous substances except under the terms of a license issued by the Environmental Management Agency,” the agency stated.
The regulator is urging all unlicensed operators to regularise their businesses.
“We are urging all those without EMA licences to visit our provincial offices in Borrowdale and regularise their operations,” EMA said.
The agency also called on licensed operators to comply with display requirements. “Licenced operators are legally required to visibly display valid licences issued to them.”
EMA said the operation forms part of broader efforts to ensure public health and environmental safety in the capital.
“EMA remains committed to ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment for all. We encourage the residents of Harare to report illegal activities and support our efforts to promote sustainable practices in the province.”
Members of the public with information on environmental violations have been urged to report to EMA.
The operation is being conducted jointly with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other key stakeholders.
