The task ahead for new head of environmental watchdog

Dar es Salaam. As the new National Environment Management Council (NEMC) director general Immaculate Semesi settles in the position, experts have outlined what needs to be prioritised to meet the public’s expectations.

The to-do list includes action on noise pollution, chemical waste, invasion of open spaces and a resurgence of banned plastics. Tanzania banned single-use plastics in 2019. However, they have been making a swift comeback in recent months.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Dr Semesi to succeed Dr Samuel Gwamaka, who has completed his tenure as head of the environmental watchdog.

Prof Pius Yanda of the University of Dar es Salaam, told The Citizen that more needs to be done to address environmental pollution, which is a critical issue.

He said more emphasis should now be placed on community awareness to draw more people into the fight against pollution.

Prof Yanda noted that addressing noise pollution with a policy approach alone cannot be effective as some of the culprits are operating legally and have all the relevant permits.

“Engagement of all stakeholders can help to accommodate diverse interests and give efforts to curb all forms of pollution, including noise pollution, fresh impetus,” he said.

“Solid waste management is another area the new director general should concentrate on. Sensitisation is vital. The public should be aware of the adverse effects of solid waste, which have worsened as a result of recent floods and blockage of waterways.”

Prof Yanda urged NEMC to gauge the preparedness of municipality councils and other local councils and ensure that they are  properly equipped to manage solid waste, which is  now a common sight in urban areas.

Agenda for Environment and Responsible Development (Agenda) principal programme officer Silivana Mng’anya said the new NEMC boss should oversee the strict enforcement of environmental laws to reduce pollution.

“There are various types of pollution which need to be addressed. The most important thing is to ensure that NEMC tackles the root source of pollution,” he said.

Mr Mng’anya added that the government should also find ways of addressing the issue of unrecycled waste.

“If we are to have a secure future, NEMC should also tackle the effects of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss head-on.  The root causes must be addressed in their entirety.”

Mr Mng’anya noted that air pollution was the single most important cause of disease and premature deaths in the world, with more than seven million people dying prematurely each year due to pollution.

In March, last year, NEMC Eastern and Northern Zone manager Arnold Mapinduzi told The Citizen that the council has received a number of complaints from the public about noise pollution from bars, factories and prayer houses.

Noise pollution is a serious problem in Dar es Salaam and various other urban areas, he said.

“The number of people reporting noise pollution has also increased sharply and it is heartening to note that people are now aware of the potentially dangerous effects of noise pollution,” Mr Mapinduzi added.

NEMC director for environmental research and management Menan Jengo said Dar es Salaam, as the largest city in Tanzania with the biggest population, is also the biggest polluter in the country.

He added that policy dialogue on air quality management would provide an opportunity for the council to gauge feedback and take remedial action.