ema gives police ultimatum over tear gas

 










Lorraine Phiri and Nokuthaba Mathema
ENVIRONMENTAL Management Agency (EMA) has given police in Bulawayo a 24-hour ultimatum to clear spilled teargas concentrate at Lobengula Street and Third Avenue Extension.
It is believed that the police, who were deployed to quell commotion at Barbourfields Stadium after the Highlanders/Dynamos soccer match a fortnight ago, spilled the teargas concentrate.
The gas makes breathing difficult and causes a running nose, dizziness, skin irritation and itching in the eyes.
The concentrate has reportedly affected pupils from Mckeurtan Primary School and tenants in surrounding buildings.
In an interview yesterday, EMA spokesperson Mr Steady Kangata said it was the duty of the police to clean up the area.
"Those responsible for the spillage, in this case the police, must clean up the area today without further delay. The cleanliness of the environment is not only about visual cleanliness, but is also about the cleanliness of the air," he said.
Mr Kangata said further action would be taken in the event that the police do not adhere to EMA's directive.
"I have no doubt that they will comply because we have engaged the police at Fairbridge, who know the type of concentrate and how to neutralise it," said Mr Kangata.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said specialists had made recommendations on how to address the problem and police were following the recommendations.
"Over the weekend, a group of specialists attended to the scene and made recommendations," he said.
Meanwhile, a 38-year-old woman from Nguboyenja suburb collapsed after inhaling gases from the concentrate over the weekend and has since been admitted at Mzilikazi Clinic.
Ms Bekezela Mpofu said she experienced difficulties in breathing and collapsed while passing through the area.
"I have asthma and when I passed through Betty Building, I experienced challenges in breathing, as if something was blocking my lungs. Before I reached for my inhaler, I collapsed.
"At the moment I am being given medication since the inhaler I was using before can no longer help me," said Ms Mpofu.
Last week, the Fire Brigade failed to neutralise the spillage.