ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar’s Second Vice-President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has officially inaugurated environmentally friendly incinerators in Pemba South Region, a major step toward enhancing healthcare waste management in the islands.
Speaking during the event held in Vitongoji area, Chake-Chake District, Mr Abdulla said that the waste incineration project is one of the key initiatives to address the challenge posed by hazardous hospital waste, which threatens public health and harms the environment.
The inauguration of the incinerator is among events to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, climaxing on 12 January this year at Gombani Stadium in the spice islands of Pemba, where different leaders from Zanzibar and the United Republic of Tanzania led by the Head of State – Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan are expected to attend.
He observed that the Revolution brought liberation and freedom to the people of Zanzibar, leading to the admirable development witnessed today in various sectors, including creating a conducive environment for workers and the general public.
“Leaders and executives in the Ministry of Health should ensure the incinerator is properly managed, including training and capacity building of local experts to align with the technology used in operating the facility,” the 2VP emphasised.
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Moreover, Mr Abdulla directed the Ministry of Health to adhere to the guidelines provided by experts to ensure the incinerator’s durability and help achieve the government’s goals for having the machine.
In his remarks at the event, the Minister for Health, Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui said that the presence of the waste incinerator in Pemba aims to facilitate the safe disposal of hazardous waste, contributing to better public health.
Mr Mazrui explained that all hazardous waste in Pemba will be collected by West Environmental Company (WEC) LTD and incinerated professionally without harming the environment, humans or animals.
He urged private hospitals, pharmacies and cosmetics shop owners to collaborate in utilising the incinerator to protect public health and ensure a clean and safe environment.
Briefing the audience about the machine, the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health, Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji explained that the construction of the incinerator is part of the implementation of the 2020-2025 CCM Manifesto.
“…adhering to international waste management standards to ensure environmental safety and enhance healthcare services for the welfare of citizens and sustainable national development,” he said.
Dr Miraji said the government of Zanzibar decided to construct the incinerator in Vitongoji, Pemba, at a cost of over 1.8bn/- to address the long-standing challenge of lacking a reliable incinerator.
“This facility will help destroy hazardous waste generated from hospitals, industries and ports. The incinerator project prioritises environmental protection as it has modern equipment with specialised air pollution control systems (scrubbing systems) that filter emissions to ensure the released air meets acceptable standards,” he said.
