News / National
Bulawayo moves to demolish illegal LPG outlets
2 hrs ago |
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The Bulawayo City Council says it has applied for a court order to demolish illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) outlets operating across the city, amid rising concern over safety risks and weak enforcement of by-laws.
The issue was raised during the 3 405th full council meeting, where councillors described the rapid spread of unlicensed gas retailing stations, some of which are operating from residential properties, as a growing public safety hazard.
Ward 2 councillor Adrian Moyo questioned whether the city had a clear policy governing LPG retail operations, warning that many such outlets were emerging in high-density suburbs without proper regulation.
Other councillors acknowledged the growing reliance on LPG due to electricity shortages, with Ward 18 councillor Felix Madzana noting that gas use had helped reduce deforestation and improve household energy access. He suggested that some of the existing operators could be regularised in line with Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority guidelines, provided they meet safety standards.
However, Ward 11 councillor Susan Sithole called for stricter enforcement, saying all illegal structures should be removed and gas sales from residential properties stopped immediately. Ward 3 councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu also warned that unregulated outlets posed serious fire and health risks, arguing that enforcement of existing by-laws had been weak.
Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu said the city already had regulations governing LPG retailing but admitted that enforcement remained a major challenge. He said the Fire Brigade had been engaged to assist with operations targeting illegal operators.
According to Assistant Director of Town Planning Sehlile Ndlovu, an enforcement team has been established and the council has already applied for a court order to demolish all illegal LPG stations. He added that some operators had been issued fines of US$500, while others had complied after being notified.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority has reiterated that LPG sales from residential premises are prohibited for safety reasons. ZERA Chief Executive Officer Edington Mazambani urged members of the public to report illegal gas activities to the police, local authorities or the regulator, stressing that proper licensing and safety compliance are mandatory in the sector.
The issue was raised during the 3 405th full council meeting, where councillors described the rapid spread of unlicensed gas retailing stations, some of which are operating from residential properties, as a growing public safety hazard.
Ward 2 councillor Adrian Moyo questioned whether the city had a clear policy governing LPG retail operations, warning that many such outlets were emerging in high-density suburbs without proper regulation.
Other councillors acknowledged the growing reliance on LPG due to electricity shortages, with Ward 18 councillor Felix Madzana noting that gas use had helped reduce deforestation and improve household energy access. He suggested that some of the existing operators could be regularised in line with Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority guidelines, provided they meet safety standards.
However, Ward 11 councillor Susan Sithole called for stricter enforcement, saying all illegal structures should be removed and gas sales from residential properties stopped immediately. Ward 3 councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu also warned that unregulated outlets posed serious fire and health risks, arguing that enforcement of existing by-laws had been weak.
Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu said the city already had regulations governing LPG retailing but admitted that enforcement remained a major challenge. He said the Fire Brigade had been engaged to assist with operations targeting illegal operators.
According to Assistant Director of Town Planning Sehlile Ndlovu, an enforcement team has been established and the council has already applied for a court order to demolish all illegal LPG stations. He added that some operators had been issued fines of US$500, while others had complied after being notified.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority has reiterated that LPG sales from residential premises are prohibited for safety reasons. ZERA Chief Executive Officer Edington Mazambani urged members of the public to report illegal gas activities to the police, local authorities or the regulator, stressing that proper licensing and safety compliance are mandatory in the sector.
Source - Cite
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