A HEAVY truck carrying 30 000 litres of a potentially hazardous chemical has overturned along the Chirundu-Harare highway, posing risks to local residents, motorists and the environment, The NewsHawks can report.
NHAU MANGIRAZI
Chirundu local board secretary Wilson Gunhe says the border town has more than 5 000 residents, apart from the thousands of travellers to and from Zambia who use the highway.
On Tuesday, a Mukumba Brothers truck (registration number JJ00KLGP/WPL3860GP/WHB980GP) carrying 30 000 litres of beta froth liquid, a chemical classified in the amber class in terms of its level of toxicity, overturned at the 265 kilometre peg along the highway.
The accident occured after the driver lost control and has resulted in the spillage of 30 000 liters of chemical into the environment.
The driver was injured and is admitted to Karoi Hospital.
It is the second such accident in three days.
Chemical residue from the spillage is visible on a 30-metre stretch along the tarmac and road servitude.
The chemical flowed through the road, creating a slippery surface and contaminating the road verges. Vegetation along the road servitude was affected by the spillage.
The Environment Management Agency (Ema) provincial education and advocacy officer for Mashonaland West, Munyaradzi Nhariswa, confirmed that the spillage poses danger to human life and the environment.
‘‘Beta froth is a flocculation used mainly in the mining sector in native metals metallurgy. It is harmful if inhaled, causes respiratory tract irritation and is harmful if absorbed through the skin. It causes eye irritation, harmful if swallowed and damage to the eyes,’’ said Nhariswa.
He added that the chemical has ecological effects.
‘‘It is toxic to fish and is also 92% ready to biodegrade and affects the vegetation by blocking its stomata,’’ added Nhariswa.
He further explained that although the transporter had a valid transportation permit in line with provisions of Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018, the environmental agency had misgivings.
‘‘There are indications that the transporter failed to notify Ema on time to ensure the swift monitoring and containment of the spillage scene. An environmental protection order was served on the transporter to clean the spillage scene to the satisfaction of Ema,’’ said Nhariswa.
The first spillage, involving a MAICOs also known as Top Hisheen (registration number JJ35CNGP/JJ34VFGP/JJ34LBGP) occurred last weekend.
‘‘The truck was carrying 35 tonnes of sulfur, which spilled into the environment and no fatality was recorded,’’ said Nhariswa.
The truck’s horse and first trailer were completely burnt.
Fire emanating from the accident engulfed the surrounding highway environment and the plumes drifted as far as Chirundu Border Post.
Nhariswa added that rescue efforts and thorough inspections to quantify the extent of chemical spillage are currently being hampered by the thick plumes which have continued billowing.
‘‘Ema is working closely with the Transporter (Top Hisheen) to extinguish the fire and commence the spillage clean-up exercise. Section 73 of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) prohibits the discharge of hazardous substances into the environment and places the responsibility of rehabilitating and restoring the affected area on the polluter,’’ said Nhariswa.
‘‘Our preliminary investigations indicate that the truck was travelling outside the stipulated timeframes, and failed to report the incident to the Ema within the shortest period of time as required. Timely reporting of spillages ensures swift response to minimise environmental pollution as well as rescue efforts. Transporters and the motoring public are therefore being continuously urged to orally notify the following institutions within an hour and in writing within 24 hours of the accidental spillage, Ema, the Emergency Response Company to do the reclamation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Civil Protection Unit and district development coordinator in the area where the accidental spillage has occurred and supply Ema with information on the circumstances of the accidental spillage, including the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and quantity of the hazardous substance accidentally spilled,’’ said Nhariswa.
He warned the motoring public to exercise extreme caution when approaching such accident scenes as the road surface may be slippery and visibility impaired.
‘‘Take heed of the instructions given by Ema or law and other enforcement agencies. Prioritise safety above anything else,” said Nhariswa.
‘‘We passionately appeal to drivers to exercise extreme caution when navigating the terrain from Makuti up to Chirundu Border Post. Of late, this stretch has become a hot spot for spillages. Transporters should notify Ema and other law enforcement agencies in time to ensure the switch containment, and monitoring of the spillages. The motoring public should exercise extreme caution when approaching this accident scene as the surfaces may still be slippery and also to be aware of the spillage clean-up team,’’ he said.
According to the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) corporate communications officer, Shingirai Huni, the agency is on the lookout for radiological emergencies to protect human life and the environment.
Huni said the organisation’s prime mandate is to prevent and mitigate dangers resulting from the use or abuse of equipment, devices or materials capable of producing ionizing radiation.
‘‘The use of radiation sources in different sectors is steadily growing. Despite safety precautions in design and operations, accidents involving radiation sources are possible. Experience has shown that advanced emergency preparedness and response is essential to mitigate the consequences of an accident. RPAZ is very alert on any radiological and nuclear emergencies in the country. Various requirements and guidance measures for emergencies at both facility and national level have since been developed,’’ said Huni.
He added that the authority has in place a National Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Response Plan currently being reviewed by various national stakeholders and agencies.
‘‘This plan will see collaboration in the mitigation and response of nuclear and radiological emergencies from the authority, stakeholders, and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP). The plan defines the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in case of an accident or incident where the Department of Civil Protection will be in charge. ‘‘Furthermore, facilities using radiation technology/equipment are required to submit their own emergency plans that are reviewed and approved by the Authority during the authorisation process.
There are requirements that these facilities carry out exercises and drills to prepare for any radiological emergency. The Authority also has readily available competent staff to carry out emergency activities through the national contact point for nuclear and radiological emergencies,’’ added Huni.
He further said that RPAZ issues licences to any operator who wishes to transport radioactive materials within the country.
‘‘The licences are met with various safety requirements such as warning signs to indicate that one is carrying radioactive materials and tracking systems to monitor the movement of the vehicles carrying the radioactive materials. In cases of radiological emergencies, the authority sends response teams to the site as quickly as possible to avoid any serious damages. Internationally, we have regional and international co-operations which were done through conventions and regional agreements. Zimbabwe has also ratified the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, both which gives the nation capacity to cover any nuclear emergencies,’’ said Huni in a written response.
