Govt fines Castle Malawi for discharging toxic chemicals in river

Government has charged Castel Malawi K1 million for unlawfully discharging toxic chemicals into Mudi river in Blantyre.

Spokesperson for the ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Sangwani Phiri said Castel Malawi continued to discharge Fanta chemicals into the river despite several warnings against the malpractice.

“The  Fanta concentrates could endanger aquatic life,” said Phiri.

He said the fine should be paid within five days.

Phiri said the company had been warned several times before the action was taken.

“There is an agreement between them and us on the disposal of the waste. They are supposed to treat the waste before they are disposed off in the river,” said Phiri.

Officials from the company refused to comment but Blantyre City Council had also been warning the company on the same several times.

The compnay was again fined K35.4 million last year for supplying the market with products likely to cause harm to consumers and K500.000.00 for supplying products containing foreign objects which is a violation of Section 43 (1) (e) of the Competition and Fair Trading Act.

Castel Malawi is a beverages only company comprising of 5 soft drinks packaging lines, a distillery and a brewery.