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School, factory in row over toxic emissions
2006-09-06 09:30:20
By Winnie William
A showdown is looming between an edible oil industry and a primary school in Dar es Salaam, with teachers, pupils and parents planning to storm the factory over claims the plant emits toxic smoke, disrupting learning at the institution.
Despite putting the health of over 1,700 pupils at risk of respiratory ailments, the daily emission of the dark but highly toxic smoke from Murtza Oil Company poses a major nuisance to the residents of the sprawling Kipawa area in Dar es Salaam.
’We have planned to stage a demonstration and storm the industry for endangering our lives if the firm’ management does not strive to look for a permanent solution,” said a pupil at Majani ya Chai Primary School.
The view was shared by both parents and teachers at the school, situated in Kipawa Ward, Ilala municipalicity.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian yesterday, the school’s head teacher, Sauda Mkakile, complained that pupils and teachers had been operating in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances due to the emissions.
’I joined this school in 2004 when this problem already existed. The heavy smoke normally starts from early in the morning when the firm’ diesel engines are switched on.
When the wind current blows to our direction, the entire area is covered by smoke, making visibility impossible,’ she said, adding that as a result, the school was twice forced to close down.
Despite efforts by the school’ management to consult with officials of Murtza Oil Industry, no remedy has been put in place.
Pupils told The Guardian that they had developed severe cough from the chocking effect of the smoke. Time and again, the smoke has caused cancellation of classroom sessions and temporary closure of the school.
’This makes it difficult for us to see a teacher standing in front of the classroom or the blackboard,’ they said.
The head teacher regretted that despite his appeal to Ilala Municipality, no solution to the menace was forthcoming.
Acting Ward Executive Officer Victus Stambuli said he was aware of the smoke emissions afflicting the school and his office had petitioned the Ilala Municipal Council.
’We forwarded the matter to Ilala Municipal Council.
A committee was appointed. The team confirmed our fears that the emissions have serious effects on the health of the people,’ he said.
Stambuli said the municipal authority directed the management of Murtza Oil Company to stop using diesel and resort to gas. The gas, he said, was readily available at Songas.
The team, he further said, had directed the oil firm to mount the height of its smoke emission chimneys to 15 metres high.
When reached for comment, Murtza Oil General Manager Laxman Nabayan admitted there were complaints of environmental pollution, but defended his company.
’We started using gas from Songo Songo two months ago,’ said Nabayan, saying the recent emissions were caused by the test-runs on their new engines.
When reached for comment, Acting Director General of the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), Boneventure Baya, said his office had not received any complaints from the school.
’We advice the school to file a memorandum of protest to enable us to act promptly. Let the school management identify all areas affected and we are ready to take immediate action,’ said Baya on telephone.
Baya said, in order for NEMC to get involved in the matter, they need to be well briefed on the situation on the ground and the nature of the problem.
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