Siziba Thando
Zim GBC reporter
Stakeholders in water management and industry have been put on high alert following a stark presentation by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) on the stringent legal framework governing effluent disposal and water protection.
Mr Mcebisi Dube, representing EMA, delivered a comprehensive address at the Trade Effluent and Water Recycling Indaba Workshop, outlining the heavy penalties awaiting violators under both the new EMA [20-27] codification and the long-standing SI 6 of 2007 regulations.
Presenting to an audience of industry captains and municipal representatives, Mr Dube highlighted Section 57 of the EMA [20-27] code, which explicitly prohibits the discharge of harmful substances into aquatic environments. He warned that contravening water pollution control standards is a serious offense.
Mr Dube stressed that the financial pain does not end there.
“Those found guilty must also pay for the cleanup and restoration costs incurred by government agencies and compensate affected third parties as determined by the court.”
The presentation further detailed Section 59, which mandates that effluents and pollutants from trade or industrial operations must be discharged only into an existing sewerage system. To do this legally, a licence must be obtained from the local authority. Crucially, Mr Dube pointed out the pre-licence requirement: applicants must install proper treatment facilities for their effluents before receiving approval.
Reinforcing the legislative framework, Mr Dube referenced SI 6 of 2007 [Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal] Regulations. He quoted Section 5.(a) directly:
“no person shall dispose of waste or effluent into a public stream or into any other surface water or groundwater, whether directly or through drainage or seepage, except under a license.”
The EMA representative outlined the Agency’s robust enforcement mechanisms designed to ensure compliance. These include regular inspections and audits, as well as the imposition of penalties and legal orders for non-compliance. He specifically drew attention to Section 30. (1) of the regulations, which empowers EMA officers to act decisively.
“An officer of the Agency may issue a spot fine ticket to any person who contravenes any provisions of these regulations,” he stated, emphasizing the immediate consequences that await offenders.
Beyond punitive measures, Mr Dube noted that the Agency is committed to prevention through public awareness campaigns aimed at educating industries and communities on best practices for effluent management and the importance of water recycling.
The workshop served as a clear message from EMA that environmental protection remains a top priority, with a strong emphasis on both compliance and accountability.
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