The Sunday Mail
Zimbabwe is sitting on a fireball and thousands of households risk losing lives and property owing to the use of potentially explosive substandard liquefied (LP) gas storage cylinders that have flooded the market. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, whose mandate includes licensing and monitoring gas use, has said electricity shortages have resulted in many households switching to LP gas for cooking, hence the proliferation of poor quality tanks.
The Sunday Mail can reveal that the country has in the past few months witnessed a proliferation of gas cylinders — some made from modified fire extinguishers and stoves, which expose the lives of many people to explosions.
ZERA said many gas tanks in use were prone to explosions.
“The practice of using methyl bromide cylinders, ammonia cylinders and fire extinguisher canisters poses a serious threat to the public as such containers are highly susceptible to explosion which will result in serious injury, loss of life and damage to property,” said ZERA.
While the National Social Security Authority, which is ZERA’s chief inspector, could not provide latest statistics on LP gas explosions and the effects, the authority said cases of such accidents were on the increase. “Yes we have experienced explosions, but we do not have ready statistics,” said NSSA chief research and development officer Mr Benjamin Mutetwa.
“However, I can confirm that recently we had a fatality in Gweru when an extinguisher exploded after it was over filled. Another explosion happened in Warren Park D (Harare) when the user filled a 4,5kg gas cylinder which exploded after he tried to light it. The man was seriously injured.”
Mr Mutetwa said people should consult experts before buying gas cylinders, adding that propane cylinders were ideal for household use since they are lowly flammable.
He said cylinders should always be stored upright, in dry places and away from open flames.
“People intending to trade in gas should acquire a licence to operate as gas distributors. It is an offence to use or manufacture gas cylinders without a licence from Nssa,” said Mr Mutetwa. The majority of gas cylinders on the market are coming from Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia, where gas use for cooking is common. In Zimbabwe, gas use is fast gaining popularity as people seek alternatives to increasingly scarce electricity.
