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Mucheke- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, (ZERA) has warned unlicensed residents in High density suburbs to stop selling Liquefied Petroleum Gas in their back yards and other unregulated points saying they were endangering the lives of residents.
Speaking at an energy efficiency use awareness meeeting held at Mucheke hall recently in collaboration with Masvingo City Council, Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance (MURRA) and Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) ZERA official, Engineer Elias Njanji said the selling of LP gas in residential areas and undesignated points in high density areas was putting the lives of people at risk in case of an explosion.
“We will be moving into the residential areas with council and possibly enforcement authorities to nab those who are selling LP gas in homesteads and other undesignated areas that put the lives of residents in danger, this is very dangerous especially for those who sell gas at their homes if the tanks explode many houses will be affected and many lives can be lost so we are coming in with a blitz very soon,” said Eng. Njanji.
He added that his organization urges those who wish to sell the commodity to follow proper licensing regulations and approach the local authority for designation of proper and safe selling points.
“We urge the City Council to provide gas traders with proper and safe selling points so that we purge the mushrooming of unregulated selling points including backyards gas trading, we need to collaborate and encourage them to approach us and see to it that gas is sold at safe places to prevent losses of life and property in cases of accidents,” he said.
The Mayor of the City of Masvingo, Cllr Aleck Tabe, has raised serious concern over the illegal trading of LP gas in the Commonage area of the city.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting which was held recently at Urban Lifestyle Hotel, the Mayor warned that the unregulated sale of LP gas poses a significant safety risk to residents, especially when handled by unlicensed traders who do not comply with safety standards.
“Such activities are in clear violation of the standing resolutions, by-laws, and policies of the City of Masvingo and council will not tolerate this illegal practice, drastic measures will be taken against all unlicensed traders who continue to sell LP gas unlawfully,” he said
Tabe urged all traders to regularize their operations and obtain the necessary licenses in order to ensure the safety of residents and compliance with council regulations.
He also called upon residents to cooperate with the city authorities by reporting illegal LP gas trading activities in their communities.
MURRA ward 1 executive committee chairperson, Tracy Musakaruka bemoaned the bourgeoning of LP gas traders in home steads.
“We are worried for our safety as residents, the people selling gas at their homes are increasing and this is actually putting our lives in danger, we can’t stop imagining what happens to us when those large tanks explode, our lives and our properties are at risk, some of those selling have no safety training to handle those dangerous gas tanks so it is really scary” said Musakaruka.
CCZ, Masvingo province coordinator, Ketai Zvinonzwa urged consumers to prioritise buying LP gas from regulated traders to protect their lives and get quality gas products.
“I urge residents here the consumers to know their rights and exercise them, they must shun buying gas from unregulated traders who put their lives at risk and purchase at licensed traders where they get quality products and we urge them to practice safe methods in storing and usage of gas,” she said.
