adminPamela Shumba Senior Reporter
ENVIRONMENT, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday declared war against Bulawayo companies discharging raw effluent into the Umguza River and its tributaries, saying the people in the area have a right to a clean and safe environment. Cde Kasukuwere also lambasted Bulawayo city fathers for failing to take a stand against pollution of the river.
He threatened to initiate measures to shut down companies polluting the river.
“We’re not exercising our responsibilities correctly and we’ve become immune to the challenges facing our people We have no shame. Bulawayo companies are making good money at the expense of the people in Umguza District,” said Cde Kasukuwere, while addressing delegates to the 2014 World Environment Day in Seaborough village, Umguza District.
“Let’s not allow ourselves to be responsible for the death of other people and multiply the problems that we already have. I’m shocked that the city fathers allowed 40 mega litres of raw sewer to flow into Umguza River and did nothing about it.”
The minister vowed that he would not allow firms polluting the river to continue operating as they were putting the lives of hundreds of people in danger.
“I will not allow it. I’ll make sure that the law takes its course and stop this nonsense that is happening here. If the companies have to be closed so be it.
“I want to remind everybody that it is against the law to discharge untreated effluent into the environment. All industrial, agricultural and mining effluent must be treated before it is discharged into the municipal sewer reticulation system to avoid polluting our water sources,” he said.
Cde Kasukuwere emphasised the importance of protecting the country’s environment and reducing all forms of pollution.
He said his ministry would sink a total of 20 solar- powered boreholes for the people of Umguza.
Umguza Rural District Council chairperson Mary Marlene said the Community Share Ownership Scheme/Trust was also planning to sink 20 more boreholes in the district, with each ward expected to have five boreholes.
Last week, farmers dependent on Umguza River were ordered by the Environment Management Agency (EMA) to stop producing vegetables while villagers’ boreholes next to the river were sealed after the agency discovered that the water contains high levels of metals and other pollutants that can cause chronic illnesses.
The water was condemned by EMA as unsuitable for drinking, irrigation and agricultural purposes.
Yesterday’s event was also attended by Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu, his wife Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu, government officials, local political and traditional leaders and villagers.
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