Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
Discharging hazardous chemical waste into the environment will soon attract stiff penalties and mandatory custodial sentences under proposed changes to the Environment Management Act (Chapter 20:27).
On Tuesday, Cabinet approved amendment of the Act to provide for a comprehensive legal framework to protect the country’s environment.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
“Environmental issues have taken centre stage nationally and internationally. The amendments will also harmonise the Act with the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act as well as regional and international treaties and conventions, which Zimbabwe is party to.
“There is a need for compelling all businesses operating in an area where there is no existing sewerage system to install an effluent pre-treatment facility.
“Penalties and minimum mandatory sentences will be imposed on repeat offenders for failure to comply with the prohibition of discharging hazardous substances, chemicals, and materials or oil into the environment.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter