Source: Diesel spill contaminates Mwenje River after truck accident – herald
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
A major environmental hazard has been declared following a diesel spill into the Mwenje River after a truck overturned along the Mazowe—Mvurwi Highway yesterday afternoon.
According to an official notice from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the accident occurred around 3pm at the 36-kilometre peg near the Makumbiri Resort area, approximately 100 metres from the Mwenje River bridge.
The truck, which was travelling from Harare to Mvurwi, overturned while carrying about 20 000 litres of diesel, a substance classified as a medium toxic chemical.
The spill has since contaminated a significant stretch of the river ecosystem.
EMA preliminary assessments indicate that pollution extends from the Makumbiri Bridge downstream to Mwenje Dam, raising serious concerns over water safety for communities and farmers in the area.
Provincial environmental educationist Maxwell Mupotsa has warned the public against using river water for domestic or agricultural purposes, citing potential health and environmental risks.
Residents have also been urged to keep a safe distance from the accident site and avoid interfering with the vehicle or its contents.
“The agency has undertaken a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment to guide ongoing clean-up efforts,” said Mupotsa.
Emergency response teams, including Qurity Response Company, the Bindura Fire Brigade, EMA officials, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, are currently on the ground working to contain the spill and mitigate environmental damage.
Under Section 73 of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], the polluter is legally obligated to cover the costs of preventing, mitigating, and repairing environmental harm caused by such incidents.
Additionally, Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018 requires that accidental discharges of hazardous substances be reported to authorities within one hour, a provision aimed at ensuring rapid response to environmental threats. Mupotsa said the agency will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as efforts to contain the spill progress.
The post Diesel spill contaminates Mwenje River after truck accident appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.