MKURANGA: THE National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has shut down the HOOTA plastic waste recycling factory located in Vikindu Ward, Coast Region, for violating environmental regulations.
The closure follows an inspection conducted by a team of environmental experts from NEMC, which revealed several shortcomings in the factory’s operations.
Speaking after the inspection, NEMC’s Manager for Law Enforcement, Engineer Luhuvilo Mwamila, said the factory was established without conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and without obtaining an Environmental Certificate, contrary to legal requirements.
He said the inspection further revealed that the factory was constructed in the middle of a residential area, posing risks to the health and safety of nearby residents. In addition, the factory was found to lack adequate technology to control chemical emissions produced during operations, lacked protective equipment for its workers, and discharged untreated wastewater into residential areas.
Engineer Mwamila added that NEMC had previously inspected the factory and issued directives aimed at improving environmental compliance, but the directives were not implemented. As a result, the Council decided to shut down the factory until all issued directives are fully complied with.
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He emphasized that while NEMC supports investment in the country, it reminds all investors of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, including conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment and obtaining an Environmental Certificate before commencing any production activities.
Meanwhile, NEMC’s Acting Manager for the South Eastern Zone, Mr. Noel Kikwale, urged authorities responsible for urban planning to designate specific areas for industrial activities and ensure that investors operate within those designated zones in order to avoid environmental and public health challenges.
The inspection involved environmental experts from NEMC, led by the Manager for Law Enforcement, Engineer Luhuvilo Mwamila, in collaboration with Vikindu Ward leaders and local government officials.