Triangle Limited, a unit of Tongaat Hulett, has moved to contain a major environmental incident after a section of its stillage handling ponds failed on November 27, releasing an estimated 16 megalitres of waste liquid into nearby rivers.
The sugar producer, working with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), confirmed that the dark, molasses-based substance found its way into the Cheche, Mutirikwi and Runde rivers.
Stillage is a by-product of ethanol production derived from molasses. Experts say that once released into water bodies it rapidly depletes oxygen, creating conditions that can suffocate fish and other aquatic life. Fish deaths have already been reported downstream.
Triangle said its ethanol operations have been suspended while corrective action is taken, and water quality tests are being carried out at multiple points along the affected rivers. The firm said it was also containing the spill and working with EMA and local authorities “to protect downstream users.”
Residents have been warned not to drink untreated river water or consume fish from the affected stretches of the Cheche River downstream of Triangle Mill, the Mutirikwi River from the low-level bridge on Mpapa Road, and the Runde River downstream of the Runde/Mutirikwi confluence.
Triangle Management said, with support from EMA and ZINWA, efforts were underway to restore water quality “in the shortest possible time.”
“We apologise for the inconvenience arising out of this unfortunate occurrence and are committed to restoring environmental safety as quickly as possible,” the company said, promising further updates. - Zimlive.com
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