The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued an urgent public warning following a hazardous chemical spill along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway after a truck accident near Gwayi Business Centre.
In a statement released on Friday, EMA confirmed that the incident, which occurred on 17 April 2025, involved a truck transporting approximately 31.5 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide, a highly toxic substance. The truck, operated by transporter San He, was travelling from Zambia en route to Durban, South Africa.
“Approximately 1.5 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide were spilt into the environment after some of the tonner bags were torn during the accident,” EMA said.
The agency indicated that a local affiliate of the transporter is currently on site conducting recovery operations. Undamaged bags have largely been reloaded, with clean-up efforts now focusing on decontaminating the affected area to prevent further environmental spread, particularly in the event of rainfall.
EMA said it has already conducted a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to guide the clean-up process and is working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the operation is carried out safely and effectively.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that no water bodies have been contaminated, and the spillage has been contained within a radius of approximately 20 metres,” the agency noted.
Authorities emphasised that monitoring efforts will continue to ensure all necessary precautions are upheld to safeguard both public health and the environment.
EMA also reminded the public and transporters of their legal obligations under Section 73 of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27), which prohibits the discharge of hazardous substances into the environment and places responsibility on the polluter to prevent, mitigate, and remediate any damage.
Additionally, Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018 requires that any accidental discharge of hazardous substances be reported to EMA, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Civil Protection Unit, and the District Development Coordinator within one hour, and in writing within 24 hours.
Members of the public have been urged to exercise extreme caution by keeping a safe distance from the accident scene, avoiding contact with the spilled material, and following instructions from authorities on site.
EMA said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.