By Alfred Zacharia
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has shut down an unlicensed electronic waste recycling plant operating in a residential area of Regent Estate, Mikocheni, Kinondoni, citing serious breaches of Tanzania’s environmental regulations.
The plant, identified as SUMING, was found to be processing hazardous waste from discarded mobile phones without the required permits to collect, recycle, store, or transport such materials.
The operation was carried out jointly by NEMC environmental experts, the police, the Kinondoni District Commissioner’s office, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and local government officials.
NEMC Eastern Northern Zone Manager, Glory Kombe, said the facility’s operations violated the Environmental Management Act, which requires all industrial projects to undergo a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and obtain licenses before handling hazardous materials.
She warned that failure to comply with these procedures poses significant threats to both the environment and public health.
“It is illegal to set up a factory without registration and environmental clearance,” Kombe said. “We have directed the plant’s management to report to NEMC immediately for guidance on lawful procedures to avoid environmental degradation and health risks.”
Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule praised NEMC for uncovering the violations and urged all institutions involved in the inspection to take appropriate legal action.
He stressed that while Tanzania offers a favorable investment climate, investors must operate within the law to ensure sustainable industrial development.
“The government is committed to attracting investment, but compliance with environmental laws is non-negotiable. Safe operations not only protect the environment but also safeguard public health and government revenue,” Mtambule said.
NEMC has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unregistered “ghost” factories, warning that any investor bypassing environmental regulations will face enforcement measures.
The council emphasized that strict compliance is essential to preserving Tanzania’s ecosystems and protecting human and animal life from the dangers of hazardous waste.
