PBWB intensifies monitoring of wastewater discharge to safeguard public health
MOSHI: THE Pangani Basin Water Board (PBWB) has said it will continue to closely monitor wastewater discharge in order to safeguard public health and protect the environment.
The assurance was given recently by PBWB Director, Engineer Segued Segule during a Northern Zone stakeholders’ meeting for regulated facilities that discharge treated wastewater into water bodies and other environmentally sensitive areas, held in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.
He said one of PBWB’s key responsibilities is to protect public health by preventing diseases that may be caused by improperly discharged wastewater, conserve the environment by safeguarding rivers and sources of clean water, and ensure that industries and other institutions comply with environmental sanitation laws.
“All regulated facilities that discharge treated wastewater must comply with all relevant regulations to ensure the health and safety of citizens,” he said.
Eng Segule called on all institutions involved in wastewater discharge to obtain the necessary permits from PBWB before releasing treated effluents, warning that failure to comply could result in penalties.
“Compliance with water use and discharge permits is vital because it helps protect freshwater resources, including aquifers, as well as fragile ecosystems and agricultural activities that depend on clean water. PBWB will continue to enforce regulations to prevent environmental degradation and protect public health,” he said.
He also urged stakeholders to regularly review their agreements with PBWB to ensure timely renewal of permits and avoid possible disruptions, including suspension of operations.
Eng Segule further stressed that institutions must ensure treated wastewater meets required environmental standards before discharge.
“Treated effluents must comply with specific physicochemical and microbiological parameters before being released into water bodies or sewage systems,” he said, adding that adherence to these standards will help prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and ensure the availability of clean and safe water for various uses.
