EMA Fines Koala Park Abattoir US$1,000 Over Environmental Violations

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has fined Koala Park Abattoir US$1,000 for failing to fully comply with environmental management regulations following complaints of air pollution along Seke Road in Harare. The penalty follows an inspection conducted by EMA last week after the agency was cited as the second respondent in an injunction application filed against the abattoir. The court application was brought by the Katonha twins, Farai Lawyer and Tendai Mayor, who alleged that operations at the abattoir were causing severe air pollution in nearby paddocks along Seke Road.

According to a court report signed by Christopher Mushava, EMA directed Koala Park Abattoir to improve drainage systems within its paddocks, particularly during the rainy season. The agency said stagnant water mixed with cattle dung was contributing to foul odours affecting surrounding communities and motorists using Seke Road. EMA noted that proper drainage was necessary to reduce environmental and public health risks linked to prolonged waste accumulation.

“The paddocks must be adequately drained during the rainy season to mitigate foul odours caused by dung and stagnant water,” the report stated.

The inspection also sought to determine whether the reported air pollution along Seke Road was directly linked to the abattoir’s operations.

According to EMA’s findings, Koala Park Abattoir currently keeps approximately 4,500 cattle and slaughters around 60 animals daily depending on market demand. The facility reportedly has 29 paddocks, nine of which have already been decommissioned. EMA said the company has begun a full decommissioning programme expected to be completed by September 2026. The agency ordered the abattoir to provide monthly progress reports detailing the decommissioning process and environmental compliance measures being implemented.

EMA also observed that unpaved roads within the facility are currently being watered and treated using a molasses by-product to suppress dust emissions. However, the agency warned that hot and windy conditions can reduce the effectiveness of dust suppressants due to rapid evaporation. Authorities recommended continuous monitoring and more frequent treatment of dusty surfaces where necessary.

The report further instructed the abattoir to install warning signs requiring drivers to reduce speed within the premises to minimise dust spreading onto Seke Road. Environmental experts say industrial operations near residential or commercial areas must continuously adapt mitigation measures to limit air and water pollution. Harare-based environmental consultant Prince Kuipa said livestock processing facilities should prioritise proper waste management and air quality controls.

“Odour management, drainage systems and dust suppression are essential components of environmental compliance for large-scale abattoirs,” he said.

Following the submission of EMA’s inspection report, the magistrate handling the matter is expected to deliver judgment next Tuesday. The case has drawn public attention amid growing concerns over environmental pollution, industrial compliance and public health standards in areas surrounding Harare’s industrial zones.

EMA Koala Park Abattoir

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