RELIGIOUS leaders and the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) have agreed on five resolutions for implementation in order to address noise pollution from worship buildings in the country.
The two parties made the resolutions on Monday this week, after a day long symposium organised by NEMC in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council for Peace Tanzania (IRCPT).
The workshop was aimed at formulating workable solutions to end noise pollution while enhancing mutual cooperation for achieving sustainable social welfare.
Reading the resolutions, the Symposium Secretariat Chairman, Professor Emmanuel Shija, said the measures are a step forward to preventing noise pollution basing on participatory approach.
Among other resolutions, the workshop agreed that religious leaders countrywide will adhere to the laws, rules and regulations on fighting pollution from their worship buildings.
The Environment Management Act, 2004 provides for legal and institutional framework for sustainable management of the environment, outline principles for management, impact and risk assessments, prevention and control of pollution, waste management, environmental quality standards, public participation, compliance and enforcement.
Prof Shija further said the IRCPT will cooperate with NEMC in creating awareness on the negative effects of noise pollution in their areas, hence making residents avoid the effects during worshipping hours.
“Religious leaders will ensure citizens understand the negative effects of noise pollution by advocating against noise pollution during worshipping,” he said.
Prof Shija noted that the two institutions will also continue organizing a cross section symposium on noise pollution to the regional level in order to reach as many citizens as possible in creating awareness on environment laws and regulations.
Additionally, he said religious leaders and NEMC will jointly evaluate the implementation of the agreed resolutions as per country’s environmental laws to identify achievements and setbacks that need lasting solutions to noise pollution.
The symposium was opened by the Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa who had instructed ministry responsible for environment to closely work with the religious leaders in efforts to review the laws and regulations to realise noise-pollution-free society.
