ROPAFADZO MASHINGAIDZE

TWO NATIONS REPORTER

BEITBRIDGE- The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has dragged Beitbridge Municipality to court for discharging raw sewerage into Wamulala stream.

The matter is before Resident Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba. The municipality is being charged with contravening section 51(1) of the Environmental Management Act (chapter 20.17).

The Act speaks to the unlawful discharge or applying any poisonous or toxic or obstructing matter into aquatic environment.

Beitbridge Municipality represented by Patrick Tererai of Tererai Legal Practitioners made an application for exception and ruling. 

Prosecutor Ronald Mugwagwa told the court that EMA noted the discharge on January 30, 2017 and the effluent is still being discharged to date.

EMA inspectors Nompumelelo Chigwinya and Kwanele Ndiweni carried out environmental inspections and observed that Wamulala stream that passes through wards 1,2,4,5 and 6 was receiving raw effluent from Beitbridge Municipality sewer system. 

The inspectors observed the recurring discharge sites that posed a health threat to the general public.

EMA then issued an order; number 0010404 to the local authority to take preventive measures that would stop direct discharge into the stream. 

The municipality allegedly did not adhere to the order as the raw effluent is still being discharged into the stream.