‘Avoid smuggling chemicals’

THE public has been urged to use chemicals for the right purposes only and avoid smuggling chemicals.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons this week held a workshop at a local hotel in Harare, on advanced chemical safety, and security.

Addressing the workshop, Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Secretary, Ambassador Mark Grey Marongwe, said:

“Government is prioritising capacity building for customs personnel as they are critical in facilitating the efficient movement of chemicals across the borders.

“The convention of OPCW aims to prohibit the development, production, stockpiling, use and destruction of chemical weapons,

“However, while some categories of chemicals were entirely banned, the crafters of the convention were aware of the peaceful use of chemistry and its invaluable contribution to humanity.

“Our country, Zimbabwe, is an emerging economy and is witnessing an increase in the chemicals produced, particularly by the informal sector.

“Given its geographical location, Zimbabwe is one of the key gateways to the region in the chemical supply chain. Chemicals to different parts of Africa are transported through the country, as such there is a need to ensure that chemical safety, and security concerns that might arise during transportation, are addressed.”

Ambassador Marongwe also addressed the issue of chemical smuggling.

“Many African countries are still grappling with border security concerns as smuggling of chemicals still poses a major challenge. As such, chemical safety and security is compromised by the ease with which chemicals can be smuggled across the borders, on our continent.

“This is particularly worrying if it involves organised transnational criminal syndicates.”