Bulawayo City Council (BCC) says it has applied for a court order to demolish illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) outlets operating across the city, amid growing concern over safety risks and weak enforcement of by-laws.
Councillors raised alarm over what they described as the rapid “mushrooming” of unlicensed gas retailing stations, including some operating from residential properties.
The issue was discussed during the 3 405th full council meeting held recently, where councillors called for stricter enforcement, demolition of unlawful structures and the regularisation of compliant operators.
Ward 2 councillor Adrian Moyo questioned whether the council had an effective policy governing LPG retail operations.
“There are a lot of LPG retailing stations mushrooming in the city. Some of the gas is being sold from residential housing units, especially in high-density areas,” he said.
Ward 18 councillor Felix Madzana acknowledged the rising demand for LPG, noting that some areas without electricity rely heavily on gas as an energy source.
“LPG has assisted in preserving the environment, particularly in reducing deforestation. Some of these stations are well constructed and should be regularised in line with ZERA guidelines,” he said, suggesting that councillors conduct site inspections.
However, Ward 11 councillor Susan Sithole called for firm action against illegal operators.
“All illegal structures should be demolished. Selling LPG from residential properties should be stopped and relevant by-laws enforced,” she said.
Ward 3 councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu warned that unregulated outlets posed serious safety risks.
“This could lead to health hazards and fire outbreaks. Council has relevant by-laws, but enforcement is lacking,” he said, urging authorities to identify and formally notify unlicensed operators to cease trading.
Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu said the council already had a policy regulating gas retailing but admitted enforcement remained a challenge.
“Enforcement is the major challenge. We have called on the Fire Brigade to carry out operations across the city,” he said.
According to the latest council report, Assistant Director of Town Planning Sehlile Ndlovu said an enforcement team had been established and that the council had taken steps to address the problem.
“Council has applied for a court order to demolish all illegal LPG stations. The Fire Brigade has been engaged and US$500 tickets have been issued. Some retailers have complied,” he said.
Ndlovu added that commercial stands and trading bays had been advertised through a tender process, but some successful applicants had not yet developed their sites.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Edington Mazambani, said selling LPG from residential properties was prohibited.
“Selling LPG from residential homes or dwelling places is not allowed for safety reasons,” he said.
Mazambani encouraged members of the public to report suspected illegal LPG activities to the police, local authorities or ZERA.