Gender and Community
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Zimbabwe (LPGSAZ) has issued a stark warning over dangerous and illegal practices proliferating in the country’s LPG sector, stating that consumer lives are being put at risk.
The warning follows a recent explosion involving 20 gas cylinders at Mpandawana Growth Point in Gutu, which left one person with serious injuries, highlighting the potential for disaster.
In a statement, the association’s chairperson, Mr. Robert Mandeya, said the handling and distribution of the hazardous but popular energy source is plagued by significant safety failures.
“A lot of challenges are emerging in the distribution chain of this very important but hazardous product, putting the lives of consumers into potential danger whilst also promoting unfair business practices,” he said.
Mandeya detailed a list of critical safety breaches, including:
· The rampant cross-filling of cylinders (transferring gas from one cylinder to another).
· Overfilling of gas tanks beyond safe limits.
· The sale of unverified “orphaned” cylinders imported without safety checks.
· Dangerous installations, such as tipping cylinders upside down or adding oil to force dispensing.
He also expressed alarm at the sale of gas in undesignated and unsafe locations like open-air stalls, homes, and street corners. These practices, combined with price distortions and substandard appliances, are creating a hazardous environment for consumers.
Mandeya urged the government to fast-track the implementation of the draft Liquefied Petroleum Gas Licensing & Compliance Regulations and to strengthen enforcement.
He also called for tougher border controls to curb the smuggling of non-compliant cylinders.
The warnings come as demand for LPG surges, with the association stressing that without immediate action to improve safety and compliance, the risk of accidents will continue to escalate.
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