MP Calls For Tougher Penalties To Curb Pollution

Mutasa Central MP Innocent Benza (ZANU PF) has called for tougher penalties for people and companies that pollute the environment, warning that pollution harms public health, slows economic development and damages Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.

Benza made the remarks while presenting a paper at the Parliamentary Environment Water Policy Dialogue Forum, organised by the Combined Harare Residents Association on Tuesday.

Benza, who also sits on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment and Wildlife, said:

“We have been reminded that Zimbabwe’s water resources are under intense pressure from untreated sewage, industrial effluent and agricultural runoff.

“Strengthening our water pollution laws and the systems that enforce them is, therefore, urgent and essential.

“From where I stand, I believe we should emphasise updating and tightening the Environmental Management Act.

“More importantly, the whole of government approach must be enhanced and strengthened to reap the much-needed results.”

Benza asserted that stronger deterrent measures should be introduced, including stiffer penalties for polluters and full “polluter pays” requirements, covering the costs of cleanup and environmental rehabilitation. He said:

“I further think, even the individuals presiding over this unprecedented pollution must also be punished.

“It must, therefore, be made mandatory that industries and high-risk facilities adopt real-time monitoring systems and local authorities upgrade outdated sewage infrastructure, ring fence revenue, and comply fully with national effluent standards.”

Benza said the committee inspected potential health risks in Harare and Chitungwiza, and Parliament is currently discussing measures to address them.

More: NewsDay

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