Kigoma, Mtwara nod to NEMC’s autonomy plea

MTWARA: RESIDENTS and environmental stakeholders in Kigoma and Mtwara regions have joined others countrywide in backing a plea to grant the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) full autonomy.

Residents of the two regions have lately joined others in supporting the Parliament’s  proposal to give NEMC an autonomy to decide on  environmental matters without the ministerial intervention.

The residents have nodded to the proposal since it gives powers to the environmental regulation body to act effectively on matters pertaining to the safe keeping of the environment.

The recommendation, part of the 2024 report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment, was recently presented in Parliament by the Committee’s Chairperson and Kalenga Constituency MP, Jackson Kiswaga.

The report calls for amendments to the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 191, to transform NEMC into an independent regulatory authority with greater executive powers.

The committee argues that this change would enhance environmental oversight, particularly in conservation and pollution control, by giving NEMC more autonomy to act without ministerial intervention.

The proposal has received widespread support from environmental activists and residents, particularly in Mtwara and Kigoma, where concerns over environmental degradation have been growing.

Zuhura Iddy, a resident of Mtwara, said granting NEMC full authority would enable it to protect water sources, many of which have been polluted.

She warned that water contamination poses serious health risks, especially during the rainy season when the likelihood of disease outbreaks increases. She also noted that palm oil producers have been among the major contributors to pollution in the region.

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Concerns have also been raised over unregulated construction within 60 meters of water bodies, a situation that has worsened flooding risks.

Zuhura believes that if NEMC gains full authority, it will have the power to relocate people from high-risk areas, reducing disaster-related casualties and damage.

“If NEMC becomes an authority, it will have the power to remove settlements in high-risk areas and prevent loss of life and property,” she added.

Residents in Kigoma echoed similar concerns, calling for stricter environmental enforcement.

John Haule, a resident of Uvinza, pointed out that human activities have significantly degraded the environment in the region, yet NEMC lacks the power to intervene effectively.

He argued that as an authority, NEMC could impose fines and even demolish illegal structures built near water sources.

Right now, NEMC doesn’t issue construction permits, so it lacks enforcement power. But as an authority, it would be able to impose fines and even demolish illegal structures near water sources,” he said.

Ibrahim Singu, a resident of Kibondo in Kigoma region, highlighted overlapping responsibilities among government institutions, particularly in issuing permits for bars and entertainment venues in residential areas.

He noted that while residents often report noise pollution to NEMC, the environmental agency lacks the enforcement power since permits are granted by local authorities.

He believes that if NEMC becomes an authority, it will have the legal backing to regulate such issues more effectively.

“When noise pollution gets unbearable, we report to NEMC, but they lack enforcement power because permits are issued by local authorities. We need the government to strengthen NEMC so it can regulate these issues effectively,” he said.

In Mtwara, residents have also pointed to the need for stronger regulatory action.

John Joseph, a resident of Mtwara Town, said the coal trade has been a significant environmental challenge, particularly during ship loading, where uncovered trucks generate massive dust clouds.

He argued that if NEMC had full authority, it could enforce stricter environmental regulations and hold polluters accountable.

He also noted that some garages in the region improperly dispose of oil waste, yet NEMC is currently unable to penalize them due to its limited enforcement power.

Joseph emphasized that as a council, NEMC operates under ministerial control, meaning its decisions can be overturned.

He believes that transforming it into an authority would grant it the autonomy needed to implement environmental laws without unnecessary bureaucratic interference.

Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng Hamad Yussuf Masauni, recently confirmed that the government is reviewing the committee’s recommendations, including the proposal to elevate NEMC to a fully-fledged authority.

He stated that the government is committed to strengthening environmental governance and ensuring stricter enforcement of environmental laws to address the challenges highlighted by citizens and stakeholders.