Two City of Harare employees lost their lives on Wednesday morning after being overcome by toxic fumes while performing routine maintenance at the Firle Sewage Treatment Works in Glen View. The deceased, both employed as sewage works attendants, were carrying out standard operational procedures when they were reportedly exposed to a potentially lethal leak of hydrogen sulphide gas, a dangerous byproduct of waste decomposition.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted an immediate response from city authorities. The Harare City Council confirmed the fatalities in an official statement, describing the deaths as “unfortunate and tragic.”
“In an unfortunate and tragic incident, two City of Harare employees died at our sewage treatment plant in Glen View this morning while on duty,” the council said. It added that a multi-agency investigation involving the police, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and council officials is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Hydrogen sulphide, the gas suspected to have caused the deaths, is produced naturally during the breakdown of organic matter in sewage. It is highly toxic, with even short-term exposure at high concentrations capable of causing respiratory failure and death.
Experts say that workers at sewage treatment facilities face significant risks if proper safety protocols are not followed. These include monitoring gas levels, using personal protective equipment, and ensuring adequate ventilation in enclosed areas. In this case, preliminary reports suggest that the victims were performing routine maintenance when they were unexpectedly exposed to a dangerous concentration of the gas.
“The nature of sewage treatment work involves unavoidable exposure to hazardous gases,” said an occupational safety expert familiar with the incident. “Hydrogen sulphide is particularly insidious because it can overwhelm the senses, making it difficult to detect until it is too late. Proper safety equipment and monitoring systems are critical in such environments.”
Two Harare Council Workers Die in Sewage Plant Gas Leak
City of Harare officials say they have launched a thorough investigation in coordination with multiple agencies. Police officers at the scene have begun collecting evidence, while NSSA inspectors are reviewing compliance with occupational safety regulations. The council has also pledged to provide support to the families of the deceased, though details of compensation and assistance were not immediately disclosed.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident,” a council spokesperson said. “Our priority is to determine exactly what happened and to prevent a recurrence. We are also providing counselling and support to the affected families and our employees at the facility.”
Residents of Glen View expressed concern over the safety of city workers, highlighting that sewage treatment plants operate in densely populated areas and that similar incidents could pose a broader public health risk.
“It’s tragic to hear that workers died just doing their jobs,” said one local community leader. “We rely on these facilities to manage waste safely, but there must be stricter safety measures to ensure the lives of those who work there are protected.”
The deaths at Firle Sewage Treatment Works have renewed calls for improved occupational safety standards across Zimbabwe’s municipal services. Labor unions and civil society groups have repeatedly highlighted the risks faced by workers in essential but hazardous jobs, such as waste management, water treatment, and sanitation.
“This incident underlines the importance of enforcing occupational health and safety regulations,” said a spokesperson from a national labor union. “The government and city authorities must ensure that employees have access to proper protective gear, safety training, and emergency response systems. Lives are at stake.”
Authorities have stressed that the investigation is in its early stages. While hydrogen sulphide exposure is considered the likely cause, investigators are looking into all possible factors, including equipment failure, procedural lapses, and maintenance protocols.
“The matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness,” a police official said. “We will leave no stone unturned in determining the cause and ensuring accountability. Public safety and the protection of workers remain our top priorities.”
The tragic deaths of these two council employees serve as a stark reminder of the hazards inherent in municipal services. As investigations continue, the city of Harare and national authorities face mounting pressure to strengthen safety protocols and prevent such fatal incidents in the future.
For the families, colleagues, and the community at large, Wednesday’s events are a somber reflection on the risks that essential workers confront daily in the line of duty.
Source- iHarare
