Two council workers suffocate

Obey Musiwa-Herald Reporter

TWO Harare City Council workers, Peter Mupinga (41) and Steven Mangombe (51), died yesterday morning while conducting maintenance work at the Firle Sewage Treatment Plant next to Glen View when they inhaled toxic gases.

During the maintenance process in the pumphouse, the biogas valve allowed the accumulation of toxic gases.

Authorities from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and the City of Harare have launched investigations into circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Harare City spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama confirmed the tragic incident, stating that two employees died at the sewer treatment plant that processes all sewage from Harare.

“The council extends its deepest condolences to the families of the two and we promise to get to the bottom of the matter”,said Mr Gama.

A relative of one of the deceased described his brother’s death as unacceptable.

Anonymous workers said they lack proper safety equipment to protect themselves while working in hazardous conditions.

“We are forced to work without proper protective and respiratory equipment, while working in these hazardous conditions.”

Another council worker said the tragedy was stress-related.

“We have not been paid since June, and now we are two months in arrears as the council does not even provide basic necessities like tissues and soap for handwashing after working in the sewers, leaving us vulnerable to cholera and typhoid.

“We are forced to use our own money for these essentials,” he said.