11 May 2021

The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has cautioned the public to refrain from using un-prescribed containers for handling, transporting and storing petroleum products.

A press release from BERA says this follows an incident in which a consumer’s vehicle caught fire at TM Filling Station in Tsabong on March 22, thereby prompting the authority to carry out investigations into the matter pursuant of section 53 of the BERA Act.

“The Authority has concluded its investigations in which it found out that the fire was caused by filling of un-prescribed containers with fuel. The act is unsafe and can lead to loss of lives and serious damage to property,” it says. 

In addition, the media release says the filling station has been charged in accordance with section 239(h) of the penal code and has been issued with an official warning to refrain from unsafe conduct, failing which drastic measures will be taken. 

“The authority has also imposed certain conditions such as suspension of filling of portable containers at TM Filling Station until certain safety measures have been put in place to the satisfaction of the authority,” says the press release. 

BERA, therefore, emphasises that any person caught doing so will be charged in accordance with the applicable laws. ends