Staff Reporter
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has mandated that all commercial and industrial entities operating standby power generators exceeding 5 kilovolt-amperes (kVA) in Harare must obtain emissions licenses, as part of efforts to mitigate air pollution in the capital.
In a press release issued yesterday, EMA’s Harare Province Manager, Leon Mutungamiri, emphasized that standby generators are significant contributors to air pollutants due to the combustion of fossil fuels.
“Standby power generators are one of the various trade facilities that release air pollutants through exhausts from the combustion of fossil fuels in internal engines,” he stated
Mutungamiri clarified that, under the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) and Statutory Instrument 72 of 2009 on Atmospheric Pollution Control, any standby generator with a power rating above 5kVA excluding those used in householdsmust be licensed by EMA.
“All premises with emitting generators which are more than 5kVA, excluding households, are supposed to visit the Environmental Management Agency offices and acquire a license,” he said.
To ensure compliance, EMA has initiated extensive inspections across the Harare Metropolitan Province. Businesses found operating unlicensed generators will be issued tickets for non-compliance.
Mutungamiri urged all business entities to apply for the necessary licenses promptly to avoid penalties. “Operators of generators without a license will be issued with tickets for non-compliance,” he warned.
While households are currently exempt from this licensing requirement, EMA’s focus remains on commercial and industrial operators whose generator emissions significantly impact air quality.
Environmental experts have lauded EMA’s initiative, highlighting the importance of regulating emissions to protect public health and the environment.
Samson Jekesai, an environmental policy analyst, noted, “Unregulated generator emissions contribute to air pollution, which poses health risks and undermines efforts to combat climate change.”
Businesses are encouraged to engage with EMA to understand the licensing process and ensure their operations comply with environmental regulations. Further information and application procedures are available on EMA’s official website
