Firm defies order

causing environmental damage in the area.
Surface Investments is into production of cooking oil through pressing cottonseed and is being accused of disposing waste oil into Nyatsime River.
The Environmental Management Agency wants the company to first address the issue before resuming operations. It falls under agro processing industries and as such, it is bound by EMA regulations.
EMA spokesperson, Mr Steady Kangata, said: “The waste oil has to be treated before disposal but this has not been happening at Surface Investments and they are disposing the waste into a tributary leading into Nyatsime River.
“The stinking cotton residue is also not being disposed of but it is heaped haphazardly just outside the company premises thereby causing environmental hazard to the area.”
An EMA inspectorate team visited the site on Tuesday last week and ordered the firm to cease operations until they complied with environmental regulations but they deliberately defied the order.
“We have been pushed to take some stern measures against Surface Investments.
“As of now, I will not disclose the form of punishment we are going to impose it to the firm as we are still deliberating on the issue.
“What I know is that it would be a deterrent one to other companies that take EMA as a toothless dog,” Mr Kangata added.
He said a health hazard was looming as a result of the waste oil which was trapped by some residents to make soap. Unconfirmed reports say the soap from the product is causing some skin rash.
According to EMA regulations, an industrial company is required to meet the three pillars of sustainable development, which are – economical viability, social acceptance and environmental friendliness.
Surface Investments officials declined to comment. – CR.