SWAZILAND is considering passing a tough pollution control bill that will impose fines of between R50_000 and R250_000 or jail sentences of one to five years. The proposed Environment Management Bill has already been published in the Government Gazette and is expected to be passed in Parliament later this month. “Manufacturers are being warned not to import hazardous chemicals into the country or any waste in general without authority as they will be heavily fined or imprisoned when found out,” said environment and tourism minister, Stella Lukhele. The bill affects mostly manufacturing companies along the Matsapha Industrial Corridor, some of whom dump toxic waste in the Usuthu River that provides drinking water for people downstream. A number of companies have come under fire from legislators who complained that they were dumping dangerous chemicals in the river and should find alternative means to do away with their toxic waste. – African Eye News Service
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