Tanga Quick Lime factory suspended
TANGA: THE National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has halted operations at Nanfang Quick Lime factory in Tanga after it began production without securing the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate.
According to NEMC, the plant, which converts white stones into quick lime for cement, wall coatings and other lime products, has prompted complaints from residents and nearby schools due to dense dust, smoke and strong odours, raising concerns over environmental and operational compliance.
The council, also, noted that construction and machine testing proceeded without regulatory supervision at Kilapula area in Tanga.
In response to these violations, Tanga Regional Commissioner, Amb Batilda Burian has ordered strict enforcement of investment and environmental laws, warning that the newly built quick lime factory’s illegal operations pose a direct risk to the health and safety of nearby residents.
“We want industries in Tanga, but we also want our people to be safe,” said Amb Burian on Monday. “Investment must follow the law — including environmental, health and labour standards.” She said residents have been directly exposed to hazardous emissions, warning that such negligence undermines public health and violates the spirit of the country’s investment policy.
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“We desire an industrialised Tanga,” she said, “but one built on responsibility and respect for human life, adding that foreign investors are welcome to bring in capital, skills and modern technology,” she said.
The RC, then directed NEMC to take full legal action against the company, including imposing appropriate fines and compelling the firm to comply with investment and environmental regulations. She also instructed the company to secure proper land ownership documents from the Lands Department before resuming any activity.
Amb Burian further ordered the factory management to continue paying salaries to about 20 employees while operations remain suspended, arguing that the company had recruited them under false assurances.
Earlier, NEMC Environmental Inspector, Joseph Rugatiri confirmed that the factory had already been fined 5m/- for starting construction without completing legal procedures but continued building in defiance of the council’s orders.
“These investors have been defiant,” Mr Rugatiri said, adding that they paid the fine but went on with construction. “We are now issuing an official order to stop all activities and will impose another fine,” he said.
Under Tanzanian law, fines for violating environmental regulations range between 5.0m/- and 1.0bn/-. NEMC’s inspection report revealed that the company failed to install dust filters or modern machinery with pollution control systems as pledged in their project documents.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Saruji hamlet, Mr Andrea Claver, confirmed that residents have repeatedly witnessed the factory operating its machines at night, producing thick dust clouds that threaten their health.
“The dust is unbearable,” Mr Claver said, pointing out that it spreads across homes and schools, “people are suffering.”
