ForumCC, IUCN and Kinondoni Mc leads major cleanup at Kunduchi Fish Market to tackle marine plastic pollution

By Charles Mkoka

Dar es Salaam—The Forum on Climate Change (ForumCC), IUCN, and Kinondoni Municipal, alongside environmental partners and local government officials, led a sweeping cleanup at the Kunduchi Fish Market shoreline in July 2025.

The initiative, aimed at tackling the growing menace of plastic pollution, brought together a diverse and spirited group of volunteers — from market traders and local artists to fishers and students — all united by a shared commitment to restoring the marine environment.

Among the standout participants was comedian Zembwela, whose presence added a layer of cultural energy and helped attract more attention to the cause.

As the sun rose over the Indian Ocean, volunteers fanned out across the beach with gloves and sacks, collecting plastic bottles, bags, jerry cans, and other debris — tangible reminders of the environmental cost of consumer culture and poor waste management systems.

For many, the event was more than a cleanup; it was a moment of awakening. Conversations flowed between strangers as they bent to pick up trash, reflecting on how such pollution had become normalized.

A waste audit conducted on-site painted a stark picture: 691 plastic bottles, 65 plastic bags, and several discarded jerry cans were collected — the majority belonging to recognizable brands like Mo Extra and Azam.

Mazingira Plus, a local environmental NGO partnering with ForumCC, led a detailed brand audit to trace the sources of the debris. The data collected won’t just be stored — it’s set to play a role in shaping future policies around plastic production and corporate accountability.

Waste management expert Vedasto Emmanuel emphasized the need for better sorting and recycling systems at market centers, noting that without structural changes, the shoreline risks returning to its polluted state.

Representing the Kinondoni District Commissioner’s office, Kinondoni DC, Hon. Saad Mtambule praised the cleanup, emphasizing its significance not only for ecological preservation but also for the economy and tourism. 

He highlighted that with Kinondoni’s population increasing and fish stocks declining, protecting marine ecosystems has become more urgent than ever.

Kulwa Mkwama, Head of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries for Kinondoni Municipal Council, echoed this concern. He admitted that public awareness of marine pollution remains low, despite continued outreach.

Nevertheless, witnessing the turnout and energy at the cleanup gave him hope. By 6 a.m., volunteers were already hard at work, and by midday, many expressed a deeper understanding of the plastic pollution crisis.

Perhaps one of the most honest reflections came from the community itself. Zedi Mwinyizedi, Chairperson of Kunduchi Fish Market, described the event as a much-needed reminder that environmental stewardship begins at the local level.

He called for regular cleanups, emphasizing that market hygiene isn’t just about aesthetics — it directly impacts health, livelihoods, and the sustainability of fishing communities.

Locals, such as Ayubu Muharami Mikindo, voiced concern that much of the waste washing ashore originates from other coastal regions, carried by ocean currents. For them, the cleanup was less about symbolic action and more about reclaiming a vital space — one that supports food security, economic activity, and cultural identity.

This initiative didn’t just clear waste from the beach; it wove together a sense of shared responsibility, sparked conversations about long-term solutions, and laid the groundwork for continued collaboration.

 As the tide pulled back and the beach stood visibly cleaner, the message was clear: protecting the ocean starts with small, consistent acts of care — and when communities come together, real change is possible.