EMA cracks down on vehicle emissions to combat pollution and climate change

Mutsawashe Mashandure

Herald Correspondent

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intensified efforts to reduce vehicle emissions in Harare to lessen their devastating impact on air quality, public health, and the environment.
EMA’s Harare provincial manager Mr Leon Mutungamiri, emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution, which has severe consequences for human health, including respiratory problems and other ailments,” he said.
Mr Mutungamiri highlighted that EMA will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend drivers of vehicles that emit excessive smoke.
“We will work closely with the police to stop vehicles that produce excessive smoke that pose a threat to public health and contravene the Environmental Management Act. Any person found with a vehicle emitting heavy smoke shall be fined $30,” he said.
“The Environmental Management Act, Chapter 20:27, clearly states that any person who emits any substance that causes air pollution in contravention of emission standards shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.
“Our plan is to embark on public awareness campaigns to educate vehicle owners about the importance of regular maintenance and the need to adhere to emission standards.
“ By working together, EMA hopes to significantly reduce vehicle emissions and create a healthier, more sustainable environment for all Harare residents.”