Govt implements five key measures to curb coal dust in Mtwara

DODOMA: THE government has taken five key measures to control coal dust pollution caused by coal transportation through the Port of Mtwara, lawmakers were informed yesterday.

Responding to a question in the National Assembly yesterday, Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Khamis Hamza Khamis, said one of the major interventions includes the ongoing construction of a new port outside the Mtwara Mikindani Municipality.

He said the measures are being implemented by the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), in collaboration with the Vice – President’s Office (Union and Environment).

The new port, located at Kisiwa Mgao, will be designated for handling environmentally hazardous cargo such as coal and cement.

“Once completed, all trucks transporting coal will bypass the municipality, thereby reducing the spread of coal dust in residential and commercial areas,” the deputy minister told the National Assembly during the questions and answers session.

He was responding to a question posed by Special Seats Member of Parliament, Ms Tunza Malapo, who sought clarity on government efforts to mitigate coal dust pollution in the region.

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Mr Khamis outlined four additional measures being implemented in tandem with the port project which include use of high capacity loading equipment, where the government has deployed two machines, each with the capacity to load 600 tonnes per hour, fitted with specialised conveyor belts to minimise dust during ship loading.

Other measures include installation of dust-prevention nets, whereby protective netting around loading areas have been erected to contain airborne particles as well as enforcing mandatory truck covers.

“All trucks transporting coal are now required to be covered to prevent dust from spreading enroute to the port,” he said.

The deputy minister also said that regular sprinkling of water at coal storage and loading areas is being applied to suppress dust emissions.

“These coordinated efforts reflect the government’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns while maintaining the momentum of economic activities at the port,” Mr Khamis said.