Fuel leak fears allayed

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Reporter
POLICE chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba has assured the nation of safety as a team of expert investigators has launched investigations into the fuel leakage reports in Harare’s central business district.

It is suspected that fuel was leaking from underground storage facilities between Simon Muzenda and Sam Nujoma streets in Harare.

Some people were beginning to panic over their safety since the spreading of the reports on social media last week.

The ZRP spokesperson allayed fears of any danger saying safety was guaranteed.

“What I can say to the nation at this stage is that safety is guaranteed. People should not be afraid,” she said.

Senior Asst Comm Charamba said a multi-stakeholders’ committee comprising the police, Harare City Council, Environmental Management Agency and others was put in place to get to the bottom of the matter.

The findings, the senior officer said, would be publicly announced on completion of the probe.

“A stakeholders’ committee is now in place to deal with the reports of fuel leakage in the city,” she said.

“A team of expert investigators has since commenced investigations and they are progressing well.

“So far it has been found that fuel and water is mixing underground but we can only get the full details on completion of investigations.

“Initial investigations have established certain other issues but the experts are still scrutinising the findings before making a conclusion.

“As soon as the investigators are through, we will announce the findings,” she said.

Nelson Mandela Avenue was still barricaded between Sam Nujoma and Simon Muzenda streets to allow an uninterrupted investigation into the matter.

Unconfirmed reports said an explosion took place in the basement of Harare Club Chambers on Wednesday last week, heightening claims on social media that the place had been bombed.