The government has ordered the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) to work more closely with local authorities to tackle waste dumping and environmental pollution as Dar es Salaam prepares for heavy rains associated with El Niño.
Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Yusuf Masauni, said poor waste disposal, particularly in rivers and drainage channels, could increase the risk of flooding and called for stronger enforcement and public education.
“NEMC should work closely with all councils across the country to control environmental pollution and educate citizens on waste management, control and recycling, as well as environmental cleanliness,” Mr Masauni said.
He issued the directive during an environmental inspection tour of Dar es Salaam to assess implementation of government measures on cleanliness, protection of rivers and drainage systems, and waste management.
The minister also led a cleaning exercise at Kariakoo Market before inspecting several locations across the city, including Mnazi Mmoja, Mchafukoge, the Msimbazi River, Kipawa, Karakata, Goba, Mto Ng’ombe in Tandale, Muhalitan Street and Mkwajuni Bridge.
Mr Masauni urged residents to take responsibility for keeping waterways clear as the country prepares for potentially heavy rainfall.
“Citizens should observe the precautions and government directives regarding the El Niño rains, including avoiding dumping waste into rivers and drainage channels in order to reduce the impact of flooding,” he said.
The warning comes as waste accumulation and blocked drainage channels remain a concern in parts of Dar es Salaam, where heavy rainfall can quickly expose weaknesses in the city’s drainage system.
Mr Masauni said the government was also reviewing the country’s environmental legislation to strengthen enforcement.
“The government is in the process of amending the Environmental Management Act to give it greater strength and will not hesitate to take action against those who violate environmental conservation and management procedures,” he said.
The proposed amendments are expected to strengthen the legal framework governing environmental protection and give authorities greater scope to deal with violations.
Acting Ilala Zone Manager at NEMC, Zainabu Kuhanwa, said the council was already working with local authorities to improve environmental management.
“NEMC continues to cooperate with all councils in the country to ensure that environmental cleanliness, conservation and management are implemented effectively,” Ms Kuhanwa said.
The inspection brought renewed attention to the relationship between waste disposal and flood preparedness, particularly in densely populated parts of Dar es Salaam.
Rivers and drainage channels that are obstructed by solid waste can restrict the movement of storm water, increasing pressure on surrounding communities during heavy rainfall.
The government’s response now includes enforcement, public awareness and proposed legal reforms, while NEMC and councils have been tasked with strengthening day-to-day environmental management.
For residents, however, the effectiveness of the measures will depend partly on whether waste is properly collected and disposed of and whether rivers and drainage channels remain clear before and during the rainy season.
