The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in Zimbabwe has issued a stern warning to businesses operating standby power generators with a capacity of 5KVA or more, urging them to acquire emissions licences or face penalties for violating environmental regulations. In a recent public statement, EMA Harare Provincial Manager Leon Mutungamiri emphasized that such operations fall directly under the scope of Zimbabwe‘s Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27), which stipulates that any entity operating air-polluting equipment must be licensed accordingly.
Mutungamiri explained that standby power generators are among the many trade-related facilities that emit air pollutants, mainly through the exhausts of internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels. These emissions contribute to urban air pollution, which the government is actively trying to control. He further highlighted that the generators, particularly those above the 5KVA threshold, are categorized as regulated air-emitting appliances under Statutory Instrument 72 of 2009, which governs atmospheric pollution control in Zimbabwe. As such, they are subject to rigorous licensing and inspection procedures designed to ensure environmental safety and legal compliance.
In Zimbabwe , operating a generator without the proper license is considered a criminal offence and is subject to legal penalties.
According to EMA, the operation of high-powered generators without the proper emissions licence constitutes a violation of environmental law. Mutungamiri stressed that all such generators must comply with air emissions licensing regulations just like any other regulated equipment that emits pollutants into the atmosphere. The law applies specifically to commercial, industrial, and institutional premises, while households are exempt from the licensing requirement.
In response to rising concerns over air pollution, the EMA has already begun a series of inspections throughout Harare Metropolitan Province. Businesses found operating unlicensed generators have been issued non-compliance tickets, with additional enforcement actions expected in the coming weeks. The inspections form part of a larger strategy by the EMA to crack down on unregulated emissions, especially in the face of growing generator use due to frequent power outages across Zimbabwe.
Mutungamiri reiterated that any standby generator with a power output greater than 5KVA must not emit exhaust gases unless covered by an emissions licence issued by the EMA. He urged business operators to prioritize legal compliance and environmental responsibility by applying for the necessary permits at their nearest EMA office. The move is seen as essential to protect urban air quality and public health, which are increasingly under threat from unchecked industrial pollution.
Under Zimbabwean law, the emission of any substance or energy that is likely to cause air pollution without the appropriate licence is a punishable offence. The Environmental Management Act clearly prohibits businesses and other establishments from releasing pollutants into the atmosphere unless they hold a valid emissions licence issued by the EMA. This legal framework is intended to uphold environmental integrity, mitigate health risks, and promote sustainable industrial practices.
The EMA has called on businesses to act promptly and ensure they are operating within the bounds of the law. Failure to do so could result in heavy fines, closure of facilities, or even prosecution. Mutungamiri emphasized that businesses should not wait until inspections reach their premises but instead take proactive steps to register their generators and become compliant.
The need for regulatory enforcement has grown more urgent as power supply challenges persist throughout Zimbabwe, prompting many businesses to rely on diesel-powered generators for backup electricity. While these generators provide an essential service in keeping operations running during outages, they also pose significant environmental risks if not properly managed. The unchecked use of generators can lead to increased air pollution, which contributes to respiratory issues, climate change, and general environmental degradation.
The EMA’s renewed crackdown is part of a broader government initiative to instill greater environmental accountability across sectors. Businesses are being reminded that protecting the environment is not only a legal requirement but also a civic responsibility that ensures the long-term health and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s urban spaces. As more companies come under scrutiny, the message from EMA is clear: compliance with emissions regulations is non-negotiable, and the time to act is now.
Source- Bulawayo24
