Ashly DhaniIn a development expected to allay public concerns about the location of some service stations, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) on Tuesday said it is developing a framework to regulate the construction of fuel retail sites, especially in urban areas.
Construction of service stations is at its peak in Zimbabwe with the ZERA saying it issued more than 3 300 retail licences over the last four years.
In its energy sector second quarter of 2024 report, ZERA said it was engaging the Local Government and Public Works Ministry to come up with a Memorandum of Understanding to regulate the construction of fuel retail sites.
“ZERA is working with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to develop a framework or MOU for regulating the construction of fuel retail sites in local authority areas, especially urban areas.
“The framework shall help streamline the licensing process for newly built retail sites as well as allay concerns of the public regarding spacing of fuel retail sites in urban areas,” it said.
In the capital, new fuel stations are sprouting across all suburbs with some being built in questionable locations like road servitudes and residential areas, while others are clustered within a small radius.
The proliferation of fuel retail stations has also raised questions regarding space allocations and licensing processes by authorities while residents fear hazards posed by the poorly located enterprises.
Meanwhile, ZERA said two fire accidents involving petroleum products were reported and investigated in the first quarter of 2024.
“The first accident caused 3 fatalities and happened at a domestic premise in Karoi where residents were selling fuel illegally. The second accident involved a bulk fuel transporter’s two transport units that caught fire while parked at Msasa. Investigations are underway. ZERA is stepping up standards awareness training for members of the public and fuel undertakings,” it said. – NewZiana
Online Reporter