Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-05 07:46:09
Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has taken strong action against companies in Blantyre for non-compliance with environmental standards, issuing environmental protection orders and administrative penalties of K3 million each to four companies. The companies penalized include ZY Investment at Mapanga in Blantyre, AUHAD Steel Manufacturer (Pvt), Mapeto David White and Sons, and FASA Product Limited.
ZY Investment was penalized for failing to conduct an environmental compliance audit and raising the chimney, while AUHAD Steel Manufacturer (Pvt) failed to conduct an environmental compliance audit after being ordered to do so. Mapeto David White and Sons and FASA Product Limited were fined for failing to take measures to avoid or mitigate damage to the environment. Additionally, Africa Dairy Limited was issued an environmental protection order to stop actions that could cause pollution.
MEPA’s Acting Director General, Tawonga Mbale Luka, explained that the penalties and orders were a result of an inspection conducted last year to assess companies’ compliance with the Environment Management (EMA) Act of 2017. The follow-up inspection revealed that some companies had not fully complied with the recommendations made during the initial inspection, leading to the issuance of penalties.
Luka emphasized the importance of compliance with the penalties and orders, warning that failure to do so could result in further enforcement action in accordance with the provisions of EMA. Companies like FASA Product Limited and Africa Dairy Limited expressed willingness to pay the fines and comply with the orders issued by MEPA, including conducting environmental audits regularly.
Overall, the actions taken by MEPA highlight the importance of environmental compliance and the need for companies to prioritize environmental protection. Compliance with environmental standards is crucial for safeguarding the environment and preserving natural resources for future generations. By holding companies accountable for their environmental impact, MEPA is playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and protecting Malawi’s environment.
Read the original article on Malawi Voice
