Company Commits to Addressing Environmental Concerns Following Regulatory Action
SteelRwa Industries Ltd has issued a statement following the temporary suspension of its factory in Rwamagana by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) due to air pollution concerns. The suspension, which was enacted after an inspection on October 17, revealed excessive emissions of fumes and smoke that affected surrounding areas.
According to REMA, this is the second time the factory has faced suspension over pollution issues since 2019. The authority noted that SteelRwa had previously been warned and fined for failing to comply with environmental regulations, yet no significant improvements had been observed since 2021.
“On several occasions, SteelRwa factory has been warned about air pollution violations and fined for failing to comply with environmental regulations,” REMA stated. “Despite this, there has been no improvement in reducing emissions or safeguarding the health of the nearby community.”
The inspection also highlighted a lack of adequate emission control measures and the absence of a secondary extraction system to manage fugitive smoke escaping from the factory’s fume extraction system. These findings were consistent with violations noted during a previous inspection in September.
In response to the suspension, REMA has mandated that SteelRwa halt all activities related to scrap metal processing, recycling, and the manufacturing of steel bars until a comprehensive air pollution prevention system is implemented. Additionally, the factory has been ordered to pay an administrative fine of Rwf5 million within seven days of receiving the suspension letter.
SteelRwa management expressed their commitment to cooperating with REMA to resolve the issues. In a statement to The New Times, the company acknowledged the regulatory authority’s guidance and emphasized their dedication to environmental protection. “We respect the decision taken by REMA and are cooperating closely with them,” the statement read. “We attach the utmost importance to environmental protection and have temporarily paused our operations as advised, while discussions are ongoing to define a solution that is both technically practical and environmentally sound.”
The company further noted that in heavy industries, there can be occasional deviations from compliance due to unforeseen circumstances. They assured stakeholders of their commitment to resolving these issues responsibly and promptly. “The duration of the suspension will depend on the progress of these discussions, but we are working actively to resolve the matter as soon as possible,” the statement continued.
During the suspension period, SteelRwa’s technical teams will continue maintenance, technical reviews, and improvements related to environmental protection. The company is also engaging with certified firms to audit their environmental compliance and consulting international technical experts for advice on best practices and technologies.
As discussions continue, SteelRwa aims to ensure a safe and responsible restart of operations once clearance is granted by the regulatory authority. The company remains focused on addressing the environmental concerns raised by REMA and is committed to implementing necessary changes to prevent future violations.
Key Points
- SteelRwa's factory in Rwamagana suspended by REMA over air pollution.
- Inspection revealed excessive emissions affecting surrounding areas.
- Factory has faced previous suspensions and fines for environmental violations.
- REMA mandates halt on scrap metal processing and steel manufacturing.
- SteelRwa commits to cooperating with REMA and improving environmental practices.
Sources: SteelRwa speaks out after factory suspension over air pollution
