Court Rules No Evidence Of Air Pollution From Koala Park Abattoir

The Katonha twins, Farai Lawyer and Tendai Mayor, have lost their case in which they sought a court order compelling Koala Park Abattoir to relocate its operations away from Seke Road.

They had also wanted the court to direct the company to implement stricter waste management systems, arguing that the business was causing air pollution in the area.

However, provincial magistrate Yeukai Dzuda ruled that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the second respondent in the case, had found no scientific evidence that the company was causing air pollution.

She said Koala Park Abattoir holds a valid operating licence and that EMA officials, who are mandated to inspect health and safety compliance, were satisfied following their inspection of the premises.

The magistrate added that EMA’s decision to fine the company for partial compliance was an adequate remedy.

She also ruled that Tendai Mayor Katonha should not have been cited as a party in the matter.

In an interview after the ruling, the Katonha twins said they intend to appeal the decision.

“Considering that the court acknowledged the fining of Koala Park Abattoir for partial compliance by EMA, we want to appeal against the ruling,” said Farai.

“The EMA report followed an inspection after the application of an interdict, and the EMA visited Koala Park Abattoir, after they had put molasses, which remains part of our arguments.

“We are happy that EMA promised to consistently monitor compliance at Koala.

“At least, there is a promise that EMA is now going to carry out its constitutional mandate.

“The magistrate conceded that, indeed, the applicants have a clear right in terms of Section 73 of the Constitution.

The twin brothers filed an application at the Harare Civil Court in which they claimed that Koala Park Abattoir’s operations were causing severe air pollution, dust and unbearable odours along Seke Road.

They sought an interdict compelling the abattoir to move its cattle away from the main road and to implement stricter waste management systems.

More: H-Metro