Sable on ammonia spillages campaign

Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser producer Sable Chemicals has embarked on an awareness campaign to train the public on how to react in case ammonia spills while on its way from South Africa.

Sable Chemicals is now importing 100 percent ammonia, the main ingredient in making AN fertiliser, from South Africa after switching off its electrolysis plant in 2015.

The railway lines that carry the acid cut across the residential areas in some places, prompting the company to take action.

Two major incidences involving railway containers carrying the ammonia have so far been recorded.

Sable Chemicals safety, health and environment department has teamed up with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) to conscientise the public on the do’s and don’ts in case of spillage.

Sable Chemicals head of safety, health and environment Mr Abraham Muchena, speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kwekwe recently, said they were targeting residents who live along the railway line that is used to transport the ammonia.

“We have been experiencing increased transportation from South Africa since we switched off the electrolysis plant. We have decided to carry out awareness for people who live along the railway line on which the 100 percent ammonia is transported to educate them on the dangers of ammonia,” said Mr Muchena.

The campaign, which started in Beitbridge last year before being shelved to pave way for the elections, has been launched in Kwekwe and will be taken to places like Rutenga, Zvishavane, Shurugwi and Gweru.

Mr Muchena said their major worry was that people always rush to the scene of an accident.

“At times the train will be carrying not only ammonia but also fuel and nitric acid which is dangerous, so we need to inform the public, in case of an accident, they should keep their distance and avoid rushing to the scene for whatever reason,” he said.

An official form the NRZ, who refused to be named, warned villagers against tempering with railway lines.

“We are experiencing challenges with vandalism where residents create illegal level crossings across the railway line. Some also vandalise the signal material which then gives us challenges as well as removing of ballast which then creates gaps on the railway line. We therefore warn villagers to stop doing such to save lives,” said the official.