NEMC orders 7 protective measures against floods, loss of lives and properties heading to El Niño rains   

DAR ES SALAAM: THE National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has issued seven urgent instructions to Tanzanians and institutions to prevent El Niño rains from triggering avoidable floods, loss of lives and destruction of property.

Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, NEMC’s Manager of Public Relations Unit, Martha Kawishe instructed citizens and the public in general to keep drains, culverts and waterways clear by removing waste and other materials that could block the flow of rainwater as well as to stop dumping waste indiscriminately, particularly in drains, waterways and other areas that could obstruct water flow and worsen flooding.

Additionally, the council also reminded the public to be careful to protect riverbanks, valleys and wetlands and avoid activities that could damage the environmentally sensitive areas.

“Rainfall is a vital resource for national development, supporting agriculture, fisheries, water supply, and electricity generation yet improper land use and environmental degradation can lead to severe consequences during the rainy season. NEMC urges citizens to exercise extra caution in areas prone to flooding, including slopes, mountainous regions, valleys, waterways, and locations with high concentrations of people and economic activities.,” Ms Kawishe noted.

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Moreover, NEMC cautioned conducting agricultural activities along riverbanks, near water sources and in valleys to relocate to safer areas to protect their lives and the environment.

Furthermore, Ms Kavishe directed managers of facilities involved in the use or storage of hazardous chemicals, including factories, hospitals, mines, workshops, and fuel storage sites to ensure that chemicals and fuel are kept in safe conditions.

“Heavy rains can cause fuel or chemicals to be washed away and contaminate water sources; such pollution can affect not only water supplies but also ecosystems, animals, and biodiversity, while simultaneously putting human health at risk,”she said.

Ms Kawishe also instructed project developers and managers to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations both before and during project implementation; meanwhile, local government authorities were also urged to continue fulfilling their routine duties including public education and the identification of flood-prone areas or locations frequently affected by flooding so that priority is given to those areas and flood prevention measures can be taken early.

“Environmental protection is not the responsibility of the government alone, but a collective duty involving citizens, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders. We will continue monitoring compliance with environmental laws in development projects, markets, industries and other areas and take legal action where violations are identified,” she stated.