Tanzania revives controversial Lake Natron soda ash project
The minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Located in the northern region, the Engaruka soda ash project was initially proposed in 2006 but faced significant opposition from environmental activists, including Birdlife Partnership, who raised concerns about the potential impact on the breeding grounds of the lesser flamingo.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is moving forward with the soda ash extraction project near Lake Natron in the northern region, despite protests from environmental watchdogs over concerns that it will destroy the habitat for migratory birds.
The ministry of Industry and Trade is implementing the previously stalled project, which aims to extract about one million tonnes of soda ash per year to supply local factories currently relying on imports for this product.
Soda ash is used in the manufacture of glass, powdered detergents and soaps, rechargeable batteries, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals. Tanzania primarily imports soda ash from Botswana and other countries outside Africa.
On January 10, 2025, the minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, held a public meeting in the Mto wa Mbu division of Monduli district to inform residents about the government's plan to revive the project.
The meeting was intended to announce that the government has allocated Sh14.4 billion for the implementation of the Engaruka soda ash project as well as for compensating residents affected by the project.
Dr Jafo stated that the allocated funds are part of a strategy to develop productive strategic projects for the nation. He noted that the project's initial delay was due to environmental challenges at Lake Natron, but after a new study by experts, it was determined that the area within the four villages is suitable for soda ash extraction.
The extraction site is located on the upper plateau of the lake, which has sufficient deposits of soda ash. Approximately 595 residents from four villages—Engaruka Chini, Mbaash, Idonyonado, and Irerendeni—will receive Sh6.2 billion in compensation to facilitate the construction of the factory.
In 2006, the government had proposed the extraction of soda ash in the Engaruka Basin near Lake Natron, but this proposal was retracted following opposition from the Birdlife Partnership and other organisations.
A factory, originally to be built and operated by Tata Chemicals of Mumbai, would have included a grid of pipes running across Lake Natron and additional infrastructure for workers along the lake's shore. However, the project was halted in 2008 due to protests from environmental activists.
Lake Natron, situated about 160 kilometres northeast of Arusha city, is home to migratory birds, particularly lesser flamingos, which travel between Rift Valley lakes in East Africa.
Earlier discussions with Tata Chemicals indicated plans to establish a $450 million soda ash factory through a joint venture in which Tanzania would hold a 46 percent stake.
Green activists have been campaigning against the project since 2007, arguing that it threatens East Africa's only significant breeding site for lesser flamingos. They warn that the proposed plant could endanger the breeding grounds of this threatened species, potentially risking 75 percent of the global lesser flamingo population.
Lake Natron is located in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, within the eastern branch of the East African Rift Valley, at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano.
Dr Jafo has encouraged residents to consider building better hotels and houses to create productive opportunities, including improving meat roasting services, to attract more investors and customers to local food vendors.
