News / National
Kadoma employees die after inhaling sewage gases
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Two Kadoma City Council employees tragically lost their lives while attempting to clear a sewage blockage at Sir John Kennedy Primary School.
Tafadzwa Guzo died at the scene, while his colleague Tinotenda Ngwenya was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kadoma General Hospital. Both workers reportedly inhaled toxic gases while working on a blocked sewer line without protective gear.
The deaths have sparked outrage and concern over the safety protocols for council workers handling hazardous tasks.
Kadoma City Council expressed its condolences in a statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our two employees. Our emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the incident, but despite their best efforts, both individuals passed away.
The city is working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this incident. Our priority is to understand the events that led to this tragedy and ensure the safety of all workers."
The tragedy comes just months after a similar incident claimed the life of another council worker, raising questions about the adequacy of safety measures in the city's operations.
Tafadzwa Goliath, chairperson of the Kadoma Progressive Residents Association, criticized the council's handling of worker safety:
"The loss of the two individuals is a devastating blow to our community. It highlights the urgent need for the city council to prioritise the safety of its workers.
No employee should have to risk their life while performing their duties. We demand a thorough investigation and immediate reforms to ensure workers are equipped with the necessary tools and training to handle hazardous situations safely."
Residents and workers' unions have called for stricter safety regulations and better training for council employees dealing with high-risk tasks. There have also been demands for an independent investigation into the incident to hold those responsible accountable.
This tragedy underscores the critical need for robust workplace safety standards to protect employees, particularly those engaged in hazardous roles. The city council is now under pressure to implement meaningful changes to prevent future occurrences.
Tafadzwa Guzo died at the scene, while his colleague Tinotenda Ngwenya was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kadoma General Hospital. Both workers reportedly inhaled toxic gases while working on a blocked sewer line without protective gear.
The deaths have sparked outrage and concern over the safety protocols for council workers handling hazardous tasks.
Kadoma City Council expressed its condolences in a statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our two employees. Our emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the incident, but despite their best efforts, both individuals passed away.
The city is working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this incident. Our priority is to understand the events that led to this tragedy and ensure the safety of all workers."
Tafadzwa Goliath, chairperson of the Kadoma Progressive Residents Association, criticized the council's handling of worker safety:
"The loss of the two individuals is a devastating blow to our community. It highlights the urgent need for the city council to prioritise the safety of its workers.
No employee should have to risk their life while performing their duties. We demand a thorough investigation and immediate reforms to ensure workers are equipped with the necessary tools and training to handle hazardous situations safely."
Residents and workers' unions have called for stricter safety regulations and better training for council employees dealing with high-risk tasks. There have also been demands for an independent investigation into the incident to hold those responsible accountable.
This tragedy underscores the critical need for robust workplace safety standards to protect employees, particularly those engaged in hazardous roles. The city council is now under pressure to implement meaningful changes to prevent future occurrences.
Source - newsday
