TABORA – The National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), Western Zone has warned dealers of scrap metal who are increasingly mishandling the materials that poses health risks and endangers their lives and the general public.

NEMC’s Western Zone Manager Edgar Mgila said during a working session in Tabora’s Igunga district over the weekend that scrap metal traders have been storing their hazardous materials in unsafe places contrary to the Management of Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Act of 2021.

The Act among other things calls for traders to transact their business in a properly managed area with proper flooring and roofing. “For instance, when an area lacks flooring and roofing, it’s easy for toxic metal runoff to occur during rainfall, which can pose risks to the community,” he said during a public education meeting in the zone that also covers Tabora, Kigoma and Katavi regions.

NEMC has embarked on a proactive approach to confront the escalating habit among scrap metal dealers mishandling their materials. Mr. Mgila urged the traders to ensure they have and use protective gear during the collection of those wastes to avoid contracting diseases.

According to the council, such habits (mishandling scrap metals) were also evident in mining areas. “During our inspection in such mines we observed gold processed using chemicals by people not wearing protective gear,” he said.

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Experts say cancer is one of the preventable diseases that could be contracted from scrap metal toxins. NEMC is entitled under the law to conduct regular inspections, provide education to stakeholders, and give directives to ensure compliance.

NEMC said they have so far conducted inspections and offered educational insights to stakeholders in Igunga and Nzega Districts in Tabora. The public awareness centered on the importance of using protective gear and handling chemicals to prevent harm to both humans and the environment.

Such initiative is ongoing in other areas.

Nguvumoja Ward Councilor, Alfred Nkuba, commended NEMC for providing education to miners regarding environmental laws and regulations to ensure the safety of their health and the conservation of the environment.

Boaz Dhahabu, the area’s Scrap metal trading business leader, called on the Council to issue permits for scrap metal business based on the trader’s capital to comply with the regulations.

He also urged for regular public awareness on the preservation and transportation of hazardous waste to build understanding among traders.