By Joyce Ngallawa
The speed limit on many stretches of roads in the country is 40 Kph and,
therefore, anybody found guilty of the traffic offence of driving at an
illegal speed is being fined heavily as deterrent to others.
Road accidents resulting from reckless driving, according to a random survey
by this reporter, are rather rampant, depriving the nation of a valuable
workforce.
For instance, a recent accident which occurred in Misungwi, involving Mohamed
Trans TZQ 2600, killed at least nine people instantly and injuring 53 others,
ten of them seriously.
George Mabugo (37), one of the people injured on the fateful day, speaking
at Bugando Medical Centre where he was receiving treatment, said he believed
the accident would not have occurred if the driver's speed limit was normal.
He himself has escaped unhurt.
The traffic police attributed the accident to a burst punctured left side
tyre without going into details. But eye witnesses said the bus was too
full as well.
It is no secret that tyres of most upcountry-bound buses, are badly worn,
much to the detriment of the passengers.
Following the tragic accident, Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Daniel Ole
Njoolay has ordered that all motorway traffic laws ought to be enforced
more effectively including even dismissing negligent traffic policemen.
"Any complaints against particular traffic policemen/women should
be investigated and upheld accordingly provided complainants follow official
complaints procedure", stressed the Governor.
August,
2003
Villagers
disown council dump established at Buhongwa
* They claim environmental pollution has caused swellings on their
limbs
By Staff Writer
Residents of Buhongwa Ward, about 14 kilometres south of Mwanza City, have
refused to be connected in any way with the solid and liquid wastes dump
established five years ago in their vicinity.
At the general meeting convened at Buhongwa recently, the residents resolved,
among other things, that since they were neither consulted nor involved
in decision-making, about the dump saga, they feel the City Council had
treated their ward and village in particular as a dumping ground for highly
poisonous pollutants.
"Rights from the very beginning, we expressed our strong disapproval
of the establishment of this rubbish dump here", the village Chairman,
Deogratious Mazoya was quoted as lamenting.
He said as a result of their opposing views, the City Council authorities.
Then led by the late Constantine Sima (former City Mayor), gave their personal
assurances that when completed, strictly in conformity with specifications
and design, the dump would be the best in this part of the region, just
next to that of Uganda's Jinja and Johannesburg, in South Africa.
"Unfortunately enough, until now, a period of five years, there is
so far no evidence to suggest that these assurances are anything but wishful
thinking", Chairman Mazoya told a team of local and foreign environmental
Journalists who toured the village recently.
An American Journalist, Debbie Salamone, accompanied by local reporters
from Mwanza and Dar es Salaam toured the dump as part of a two-day workshop
on Environmental reporting, held here recently.
According to Mazoya, every time Buhongwa gets a lot of rain, the Nyashishi,
which cuts across the village, bursts it banks and floods the entire dumpsite
upstream.
"Whenever the river is in flood like this, peasants can't get across
their rice fields and whenever they do so, some of them soon or later come
out with swollen legs as a result of water highly contaminated by chemical
elements from the dump", he claimed.
He said in 2001, for instance, one of the damages caused when the river
flooded was the death of a significant number of fish which were discovered
floating at the very point where the river enters Lake Victoria.
When asked for comment, in her capacity as the governmental official, Crispo
Rwegoshora said she personally had never ever seen even a single villager
being affected by environmental pollution.
The Ward Executive Officer (WEO), however, conceded that the controversial
dump isn't up to the required standard due to what she termed, 'lack of
money'.
The government official couldn't rule out completely the possibility of
the chemicals-laden dump being a potential source of pollution of Buhongwa
itself and neighbourhood. But she contended that Nyashishi river could be
laden with equally poisonous effluents from Mwanza South and Nyakato Industrial
estates as well.
On his side, Nyamagana District Commissioner, Ferdinand Mkude echoed the
WEO's views saying statements made by some Buhongwa residents that they
are worst affected by chemical elements from the rubbish dump are unfounded.
"The entire Buhongwa area is unsurveyed and, therefore, new surveyed
plots are expected to be allocated to developers as soon as the surveying
exercise is ready", said the District Commissioner.
He elaborated that there could possibly be some adverse effects but that
one is yet to be scientifically established beyond doubt.
In another development, Lawyers Environmental Action Team (LEAT) Mwanza
has served Mwanza City Council Director, Paul Baruti with notice ordering
him to stop forthwith taking rubbish to Buhongwa dump saying its establishment
there is illegal.
"As you are well aware, your Local Authority is responsible for safeguarding
welfare and health of city residents, in accordance with Act No. 8 of 1992,
paragraphs 14 and 146 of the constitution", the notice reads in part.
LEAT's letter, signed by the Lawyer, James Njelwa, (with reference No. LEAT-MWANZA/JIJI/1
of 14th July, 2003) and a copy of which this Newsletter is in receipt, gives
a month's notice that about 154 Buhongwa villagers, who constitute his clients,
intend to sue the City Council for damages.
The City Director has acknowledged receipt of the notice saying he's directed
his subordinates to furnish him with adequate information about the matter.
He didn't go into details.
The Buhongwa dump issue was in headlines for several days in June, this
year, attracting the environmentalists' attention countrywide and abroad.
VOIL Industry to install effluent treatment facility to
protect environment
By Jovin Mihambi
A Vegetable Oil-Processing Industry (VOIL) in Mwanza intends to minimize
the amount of its effluents currently discharged directly into Lake Victoria,
by 40 per cent with effect from next year, it has been learnt here.
According to the Industry's Acting Engineer, Augustine Masalamba, as of
now, the Igogo-based VOIL discharges approximately 2,600 cubic metres of
effluents a day, the amount which will be reduced to merely 1,160 cubic
metres only by January, next year.
The engineer, who claims to be an environmentalist himself, disclosed that
the ponds for treating effluents have already been put in place, "making
it the only industry in Igogo area with such a facility".
"To protect environment, our Industry also manufactures soaps with
less chemical content and then sells them to the people at throw-away prices",
he added:
Saying by next year the Industry should be able to discharge its effluents
into the lake by 100 per cent, as approved by Water and Livestock Development
Ministry, the Engineer urged other industries to adopt the same 'Cleaner
Production Technology' for treating liquid waste before it is being disposed
of.
Cleaner Production Technology, according to Professor Cleophas Migiro, Director
of the Dar es Salaam-based Cleaner Production Centre of Tanzania (CPCT),
helps industrialists and authorities operate in environmentally-sound ways
and increase efficiency and profits.
CPCT, like other similar centres established in 15 countries worldwide by
the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and United
Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), strives to promote and build national
capacity for the adaptation and sound environmental management for sustainable
industrial development in Tanzania.
TTB Chief looks into possibility of taping Mwanza's Tourism
potential
By Joyce Ngallawa
Mwanza's Tourism wealth waiting to be tapped is so vast that Tanzania Tourist
Board (TTB) is currently compiling some valuable statistics for a report
on tourism development in this strategic part of the country.
Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Daniel Ole Njoolay confirmed here recently
that TTB has already sent two of its experts including the Board Executive
Director to make an inspection tour of the region.
The TTB Chief, Peter Mwenguo, accompanied by the Tourism Director , Salehe
Bamba, had gone on tour around Saa Nane Island, Ukerewe, Rubondo and several
places of Mwanza city.
"We are awaiting their instructions/results/reply so that we have a
long talk with them", said the Regional Commissioner.
He paid glowing tribute to Precision Air for its decision to establish direct
Mwanza - Nairobi flights, a move which he said would stimulate tourism sector
and Mwanza's economy and that of neighbouring regions.
In his view, Sonil Mwamba (42), expressed optimism that with a developed
tourist industry, he would certainly do much business with foreigners. Mwamba
deals in handcrafts.
Meanwhile, the 'governor' strongly blaster moral laxity, particularly the
giving or taking of bribes, now rampant in some institutions in the society.
"After a close and careful observation of this bad behaviour, I've
deduced that 'come back tomorrow' is really an issue of major concern here",
he clarified, adding:
"Anyone being annoyed by the habit should come and see me directly
or go to the District Commissioner because such utterances as, 'come back
tomorrow' encourage bribe-taking".
Government will ensure fish products won't be embargoed
again - RC
By Conges Mramba
Tanzania is facing a threat of yet another embargo on her fish products
particularly from Lake Victoria unless and until they are being prepared
strictly in hygienic conditions.
The threats were made recently here by some local buyers of fish who, in
turn, export them to the European Union (EU) countries saying falling standards
of hygiene are now evident in almost all processes used in fillet-production.
According to the anonymous buyers, 'Salmonella' germs that cause food poisoning
have been seen in some of fish fillets consignments exported some few months
ago.
Earlier in 1999, the EU slapped a costly embargo on fish products from the
very world's second largest fresh waterbody following reports of soaring
fish poisoning.
The EU ban that ravaged the Lake Victoria Fish Industry had not only affected
the small fisherman who was compelled to cut down his output, but also rendered
half of over 4,000 workers in all eight fish processing plants around the
Lake.
Official statistics suggested that the episode had cost the nation a pretty
$900,000, an average of $100,000 each month! The ban lasted for nine months.
Mindful of the risk, the government organised a series of workshops in Mwanza,
Mara and Kagera during which stakeholders shared their knowledge and experience
on sustainable fishing in Lake Victoria and related subjects.
Officially opening a two-week long workshop, held at the New Mwanza Hotel,
with effect from 25th April, Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Daniel Ole Njoolay
said the Government would do everything it could to ensure that fish exports
from Lake Victoria would never ever face another costly EU ban threat.
He underlined that the fish processing plants must raise the standards of
the disputed fish products to avert cases of Salmonella poisoning and, therefore,
be able to sell them freely in stiff competition with other countries.
However, experts from Nyegezi Fisheries Institute contend that the 'Salmonella'
issue constitutes sheer economic propaganda campaign by some elements in
Uganda and Kenya.
People's involvement in resources
conservation required
* In order to minimize wanton destruction
By Jacqueline Wana
Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism strives to promote and sensitize
the general public to participatory forest management as part of its National
Forest Conservation and Management Project.
Mwanza Regional Administrative Secretary, (RAS), Clemence Rutaihwa disclosed
here recently that the government initiatives follows discovery that only
a small section of Tanzanians is aware of a policy, legislation and Programme
that empower them to utilize, conserve, manage and sustain forest resources
without affecting the environment itself.
The RAS made the remarks when officially opening a workshop on the very
theme, held at Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Institute in Mwanza.
"The government has lately amended policies of several sectors including
National Forestry Policy of 1953, in order to underline the importance of
involving all stakeholders in improving and making Forest and Bee resources
sustainable", he elaborated.
On a major cause of wanton forests destruction, the RAS attributed an increase
in population to the environmental catastrophe saying all this is a result
of such antiquated land use methods employed by we humans as overgrazing,
tree felling, shifting cultivation and bush fires.
"However, experience shows that this trend can possibly be reversed
only if a lot of stakeholders get fully involved in managing and sustaining
Forestry and Bee resources", he stressed adding:
"The existence of the 1998 Forestry policy, National Forestry Programme
endorsed by government in 2001 and a new Forestry Act No. 14 of 2002, all
of which provide society and stakeholders with legal right to participate
fully in conservation and development of the resource, is enough proof of
the government's good intention".
On the other hand, the regional government official said the concept of
involvement of people in conservation of national resources was an emerging
issue and therefore the authorities responsible should devise a long-term
Forestry Conservation and Management Programme for positive results.
Speaking at the workshop, the Tanzania Forest Conservation and Management
Project Coordinator, Dr. Felician Kilahama said, in fact, the on-going workshops
were part and parcel of the three-year project whose implementation started
in 2002 with funding from the World Bank and Danish government.
Dr. Kilahama, describing the rate of shrinkage in forest cover in the country
as alarming, he said approximately 92,000 hectares are being lost each year
of which 30,000 hectares through tree felling for charcoal.
The two-days workshop drew stakeholders from all District Councils of Lake
Zone's Mwanza, Shinyanga, Mara and Kagera regions.
Dumps still mushroom unabatedly
in Mwanza streets
By Staff Writer
Undesirable and unofficial dumps keep mushrooming in different corners
of Mwanza City, privatization of solid waste collection, notwithstanding,
it has been learnt here.
A lot of rubbish which is taken and left in a heap, oftenly, without permission,
is noticeable at such streets as Mabatini's post 'A' and 'B', Nyakato and
Pasiansi to mention but a few.
According to well informed sources, the dumps which, to many good citizens,
are an eyesore, had begun to form in the wake of privatization of solid
waste collection, apparently in an attempt to evade taxes.
Talking to this reporter, for instance, some anonymous Mabatini residents
conceded that they have always disposed of their solid waste rather haphazardly
to avoid paying some token amount of money charged by rubbish collecting
agents.
"Yes, we do take our own rubbish to the Council rubbish dump during
late hours to avoid meeting tax collectors", they said without regret
at all.
They said since they were neither educated about nor sensitized to the privatization
issue, they didn't have to give reasons now for why they disposed of their
rubbish rather clandestinely and senselessly.
"In developed countries, waste collection is so noble a job that not
just everybody can be contracted with to do it. Look at what our city fathers
did here, ridiculous!" they said to justify their unruliness.
Court wages war against 'desertification'
peril
By Jovin Mihambi
Attempts are being made by Runzewe Primary Court, in Bukombe to arrest
desertification in the district, it has been learnt here.
According to the Magistrate, Reuben Mataba the court employees have already
planted a total of 300 tree seedlings effective January, this year.
He said, each employee is required to contribute Sh. 3,000 (deducted from
one's salary) towards the 'desert-control' campaign under which some 50
tree seedlings would be planted each month.
The magistrate elaborated that the money accruing from contributions was
being spent on buying tree seedlings bred in private nurseries.
"We're planning to plant at least 1,000 tree seedlings by the year
2004, he disclosed.
The small 'military force' that is organised and equipped for fighting desertification
peril in Runzewe consists of Mwandu Luhaga, Julius Sabuhene, Nchama Seke,
Sylivester Mage and Juma Subuhene.
Business community rebuffs environmental
journalists
* Workers complain of antiquated working conditions
By Staff Writer
Some unruly business people, particularly of Asian origin, have been refusing
environmental journalists permission to make a tour around their industries.
A team of three journalists, including this reporter, had made a 'tour of
inspection' following complaints that their workers are precariously working
under highly hazardous conditions, industrial production is going on without
regard to the environmental impact of pollution and workers are being mistreated.
According to the staggering reports, the workers there have no overalls,
rubber gloves, masks, gum boots and related protective gear, and yet they
are being subjected to long working hours, exposing them to health risks.
Also there were allegations that some industrialists even kept up the pretence
that they were having their machines on indefinite production trial, denying
the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) huge amounts of money as taxes.
After having produced the goods en masse, it was alleged, then all the stock
is being sold to buyers clandestinely, usually during the late hours.
When asked by the team of reporters to respond, an owner of a plastic manufacturing
industry simply made repeated denials of the serious criticisms leveled
against him.
Haphazard street businesses can't be tolerated in Nyamagana
- WEO
By Nasibu Rubeba
A directive by new Mwanza Regional Commissioner on environmental cleanliness,
particularly within Mwanza City itself has been described as an event signaling
a change in public opinion.
Nyamagana Ward leadership, for instance, has lately launched a 'Cleanliness
campaign' whereby anybody found leaving small pieces of rubbish e.g paper,
tins and bottles lying in public places is being punished.
"People who litter such rubbish carelessly are being heavily penalized
including increased fines ranging between Shs. 5,000/= and 10,000/=",
the Nyamagana Ward Executive Officer (WEO), John Maduhu has confirmed.
The WEO blamed some people who go from place to place offering commodities
for sale and related petty business persons for haphazardly dropping litter
in the streets.
"All over the place is littered with every sort of rubbish…. This
is not acceptable in Nyamagana Ward", warned the WEO.
He particularly accused 'car wash', 'newspaper vendors', 'shoe shiners'
and related occupations of breaking the law saying from now onwards his
leadership can no longer turn a blind eye to such minor breach of cleanliness
discipline.
According to him, about 11 people were arrested since the campaign started
a few days back and the WEO vowed that his office will go on fighting wrongdoing.
Geita schools face shortage of latrines
By Faida Mganga,
Geita Geita District Council Education department has a total of 1,357
pit latrines only, about 4,494 less than required, much to the detriment
of the pupils.
The District Education Officer (DEO) Joshua Kitatung'wa attributed the serious
shortfall in the latrines in all 228 primary schools to what he called a
'tight budget'.
"The government, normally, budget minimal amount of money for education
spending", elaborated the DEO.
According to the Education boss, the District Council has, however, devised
a plan designed to solve the problem once for all including making effective
use of Primary School Development Project Fund.
In addition, he said, his office has already issued an official instruction
to all Head Teachers and Ward Education Coordinators on mass sensitization
to the importance of school latrines so that the problem can be solved by
September, this year.
A random survey by this reporter has discovered that unless some concerted
effort has been put into making latrines construction a success, there could
occur an outbreak of epidemic among the pupils of the respective schools.
Besides the rapid spread of such highly infectious diseases as cholera,
dysentery and diarrhoea, lack of the said facility could as well lead some
pupils to fall into haphazardly-constructed pit latrines and even be killed
in the accident.
Since some tribal traditions do discourage latrine sharing, there is really
need for the general public to be repeatedly sensitized to the indispensability
of latrines and make them start abhorring senseless excretion in the bush.
This outmoded behaviour not only pollutes the environment, but also exposes
one to wild animals or bites of poisonous snakes.
Consignments of drugs destined for
public health institutions disappear
By Nasibu Rubeba
Substantial amounts of human drugs transported from the Medical Store Department
(MSD) warehouses to public Health Centres and Dispensaries do disappear.
A survey by this reporter suggests that such mysterious disappearance, occasionally,
occurs whenever there is a big delivery of the drugs, particularly of part
I poison category which include chloraphenical, tetracycline, ampicilin,
septrine, PPF, cloxacillin capsules etc.
According to the findings, while the said drugs are in short supply in public
health institutions, they are flooding privately-owned medical stores, health
centres and dispensaries.
For instance, this reporter saw for himself one medical store at Kayenze,
in Magu District, selling drugs believed to have been got from Supervisors
of public health institutions.
Commenting on this gross moral laxity, Mwanza City Council Medical Officer,
Dr. Kokugonza Mugeye simply said she wasn't aware of the illicit but lucrative
trade in the public drugs.
"This is news to me. I will never hesitate to take any Dispensary/Health
Centre Store Supervisor, suspected of wrong-doing to task", she said
adding:
"However, I must say that the drugs which we get from the government,
through its MSD, are hopelessly inadequate".
There has been an indiscriminate trade in both human and veterinary medicines
drugs in the wake of the so-called trade liberalization, causing a wave
of worry among people.
Although the existing legislation stipulates that owners of medical stores
ought to trade in part II drugs only, antibiotics which fall under part
I poisons are readily available at medical stores, health centres and dispensaries
run by unprofessional personnel.
Laxity on road projects is costing
government billions of money - MP
By Bayizi Nkugutwa
The Treasurer for Ukerewe District Council, has allegedly embezzled some
Shs. 14m/= which was set aside for road construction projects.
A Member of Parliament for Ukerewe constituency, Ambassador Getrude Mangella,
made the serious allegation during a TANROADS Board meeting, held here recently.
The gathering, attended by Members of Parliament for all Constituencies
in Mwanza, District Commissioners, Regional and District Civil Engineers
and District Council Chairpersons, was told that the suspect, whose name
wasn't disclosed, was later on being transferred to Misungwi District.
Contributing to the discussion, the Ukerewe MP contended that besides this
immorality (embezzlement of public funds), the government is also losing
billions of money each year through financial laxity, particularly on the
part of some contractors.
"Some firms which were invited to tender for the construction of roads
and won, lacked modern equipment, resulting in substandard road building
or repairing", she said adding:
"Any road building or repairing work done with the hands is not only
inconceivable approach this time around, but also pretty outdated".
Dwelling on Ukerewe roads, she described them as being in bad shape generally
saying they are for the urgent personal attention of TANROAD.
Responding to the MP's concern, Mwanza Regional TANROAD Manager, Emmanuel
Koroso assured the dejected Ambassador that the problem will be attended
to by next year.
"I can assure you that next year all our attention will be directed
to the problem of Ukerewe roads", stressed the Manager.
Meanwhile, Mwanza City Mayor, Leonard Bihondo seized that opportunity to
announce triumphantly that Minister for Works, John Magufuli, who was represented
at the meeting by his Deputy, has pledged, on behalf of the government,
to increased expenditure amounting to Shs. 500m/= on roads construction
in the city.
Later on, Deputy Minister Festus Limbu himself, stood up and emphasised
that his government will get Mwanza City roads improved at all costs.
Processed foods may become contaminated by chemicals -
Healer
By Fortunatus Sabini
Food-making by Industrial processes is sometimes dangerous because it can
result in food poisoning if handled rather recklessly.
A traditional healer, Queenenga Mbukwa said in turn poison, if taken into
one's body, destroys the body's natural resistance.
Mbukwa, also Director of 'Golden Neo-Life Diamate' (GNLD) deals with sick
people by using minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients from a
variety of healthy foods.
He said the poisoned foods can possibly result in heart-related diseases,
diabetes and cancer which are virtually incurable.
The GNLD Director clarified that, normally some industrial foods are made
from genetically grown crops such as cereals, vegetables and fruits.
In addition, he said, even kind of air which urban residents breathe is
polluted as a result of smoke or waste products from factories. "It
is good to breathe (in) fresh country air instead of city smoke", he
stressed adding:
"Also I can safely say that rivers and other water sources polluted
with chemical waste from urban-based factories are a serious health hazard
that have to be avoided at all costs".
On account of all these hazardous conditions, Mbukwa has urged the entire
community to protect the environment in which they live.
"It is high time we addressed ourselves to the environmental problems
lest they plug us into catastrophe", he emphasized.
Inappropriate land use methods rob Ukerewe of fertile soil
By Staff Writer, Ukerewe
Ukerewe District once regarded as one of the 'breadbaskets' of Mwanza region,
is no longer able to produce good crops due to the application of old-fashioned
farming methods.
Mixed Farming Project Manager for Ukerewe Zone, Sosthenes Manyasi said scientific
research carried out recently has, for example, confirmed that the soil
here seriously lacks humus.
Speaking in an interview with this newsletter, the Manager attributed the
widespread soil infertility to abandonment of terrace hillside agriculture
and senseless tree-cutting, among other vices.
"The people of this Island will face a series of crop failure in future
unless they become fully involved in environmental-conservation activities",
warned the agronomist.
Dwelling on his project, the Manager elaborated that it is designed to improve
the district's environment so that the peasants can be able to plant something
in a fertile soil and get a succession of good harvest in return.
"This project also aims at alleviating shortage of firewood saying
the present increase in demand for the energy source has resulted in the
destruction of forests in Ukerewe", he said.
According to him, the Swedish-funded project which started only last July
has managed to involve 242 out of 365 households (about sixty six per cent)
in environmental improvement activities.
Under the 10-year project, tree seedlings will be distributed and expert
advice be given to the people just free, Manyasi added.
It is well documented that Ukara, one of 27 small Islands in Lake Victoria
which make up Ukerewe District, had in the past successfully conserved the
environment until recently when things started 'falling apart'.
Local Authority makes environmental pollutions regulations
By Mathias Byabato
Mwanza City Council has lately passed additional by-laws aimed at controlling
environmental pollution, health improvement and promotion of environmental
management.
The by-laws, according to the Acting City Lawyer, Savella Manzi, touch on
such wide range of areas as food preparation, environmental cleanliness,
tree-planting, protection of water sources, taking care of public toilets,
solid and liquid wastes collection and disposal and preservation of restricted
areas and open spaces.
The by-laws, for instance, require that there should be toilets in all market
places, in areas where people gather in large numbers, around the industries,
at work places and that public toilets designed to cater for 25 people will
have to be built in conformity with scientifically approved specifications.
Under the regulations, it is forbidden for anybody to dispose of his/her
household waste haphazardly.
In accordance with Act No, 14 (iii) and (iv), the City Council is allowed
to contract with agents for collection of solid waste on condition that
the respective agents should have modern working tools.
On general cleanliness of environs, the by-laws stipulate that an industry
can be allowed to operate only if its owner gives assistance that an environmental
impact of pollution will be minimized or prevented.
Dwelling particularly on safety of sources, the by-laws underline that anybody
found guilty of polluting them will be liable to a heavy fine of 50,000/=,
be sentence to six months imprisonment or both for polluting environment.
However, there is no single section in the aforesaid by-laws which prohibits
haphazard construction of stalls in the streets and petty business people,
popularly known as marching guys' from hawking their wares.
Mwanza City Council coffers are full
* Collects Sh. 2.3 m/= as fine
By Conges Mramba
Some Shs. 2.3m/= paid by offenders as punishment for running illegal garages,
blamed for degrading environment, has gone into Mwanza City Council coffers.
The City Engineer, Emmanuel Kalobelo told a full-council meeting that a
total of 26 vehicles were placed in the Council's Custody when authorities
swooped on the garages here recently.
According to the Engineer some vehicle owners were liable to a stiff fine
for operating 'dumb garages' in residential areas and open spaces and for
haphazard parking at the side of a road or in the streets.
He said sudden and unexpected 'keep the city clean' campaign which started
in April, this year was in compliance with the legislation, cap 101, section
iv on prevention of pollution of the City's environs.
The Engineer also elaborated that 'car wash' activities are forbidden and
that anyone found guilty of the offence is liable to a heavy fine of 50,000
for breaking the Local Authority Act of 1982, sections 15 and 16.
"And vehicles placed in the City's custody will cost its owners Shs.
20,000 each day as 'storage charges'.
As of May, this year, according to the Engineer, some garage owners who
were evicted started returning to the restricted areas while others have
even made threats that they would beat up any authorities trying to evict
them, endangering the latter's safety.
The Engineer, however, vowed that the campaign will be a permanent exercise
aimed at getting rid of illegally-operating garages from residential areas
as well as open spaces.
Mwanza, until very recently, has been regarded as one of the country's filthiest
towns, prompting Daniel Ole Njoolay, new Regional Commissioner to intervene.
Geita Gold Mine Company (GGM) is running a Tilapia Conservation Project
to protect the Lake Victoria's native fish specie, now believed to be
on the verge of extinction.
The company, the biggest gold producer in East Africa, having produced
more than 41,000 ounces of gold during the 2000 commissioning phase only,
has also developed stringent environmental management system, incorporating
the fish conservation project.
The GGM Chief Executive Officer, Peter Turner disclosed in an interview
recently here that Nyankanga dam, located about five kilometres west of
Geita town, has been earmarked for breeding young tilapia fish.
According to the GGM boss, the company through its environmental department,
has already introduced more than 2000 tilapia into the 28-hectare man-made
reservoir with effect from this year, in collaboration with the Tanzania
Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) experts.
The Nile perch, a large predatory fish, introduced into Lake Victoria
around 1960s, is held responsible for the declining of the Tilapia and
related 300 native fish species that had been a major source of protein
for 30 million East Africans living along the shore.
Scientists do fear that without aggressive efforts to conserve the said
delicacy native fish species, including the tilapia, this major source
of food and livelihood will be threatened with extinction.
Statistics show that as of 2000, Lake Victoria, shared by Uganda, Kenya
and Tanzania, had a total of 306,000 tons of Nile Perch alone.
It is apparently in view of this peril of the predatory Nile Perch dominance
in Lake Victoria that GGM management decided to run its own tilapia fish
specie conservation project, particularly for the benefit of the Mine
community and that of Geita district in general.
In the Chief Executive officer's words, until the project is handed over
to Geita District Council Authorities, the company security guards will
keep careful watch on any illegal fishing activities around the Nyankanga
dam.
By embarking on the Fish Conservation venture, Geita Gold Mine Company
is simply heeding Tanzania Government's view that mining companies should
continue integrating fully into the local communities in which their mines
are located and become a catalyst for improving rural life through social
services.
In another development, the GGM environmental officer, Korpdias Shoo said
the possibility of feeding the Tilapia fish on faeces could be ruled out
completely saying the dam is endowed with plenty of natural food including
plankton.
He was responding to Professor Ogutu's documented views that faecal matters
are ideal for fish conservation projects. However, he has latterly faced
with opposition from both conservationists and environmentalists.
They argue that faecal matters are no good because they speed up eutrophication
or excess nutrients which, in turn, often lead to large growths of algae
in water bodies making them become aged faster.
"Such growths, sometimes called blooms, destroy the waterbodies and
produce unpleasant tastes and odours" they contend.
About 40% of Izizimba households excrete in the
bush
· Latrine-sharing still regarded as a taboo
By Shija Malando, Kwimba
More than 246 out of 762 households of Izizimba 'B', in Kwimba District,
have no access to latrines at all, it has been learnt here.
A survey shows that the villagers go to almost every corner of the bush,
for 'long calls', a clear testimony that leaders neither warn their illiterate
people against nor educate them about such unpleasant behaviour.
Expressing his utter disgust at the leaders' failure to act, the Village
Executive Officer, Emmanuel Lushugembe conceded, in an interview with
this reporter, that the majority of Mwamashimba Ward residents and Izizimba
villages in particular just live in precariously filthy conditions.
Worst affected villages are Izizimba, Dodoma, Mhande, Itegamatu, Mhalo
and Chibuji, all in Mwamashimba Ward.
Although he didn't go into details, the truth is that any mention of latrines
is taboo as far as most families in Mwanza, Mara and Shinyanga regions
are concerned.
A report presented at a UNICEF-funded meeting, held in Mwanza recently,
suggests that only 20% of the region's rural population have substandard
latrines while the remaining 75% still abhor latrines for cultural reasons.
According to analysts, this haphazard excretion is a major cause of such
water borne diseases as cholera, diarrhoea, vomiting, dysentery and typhoid,
sometimes spreading in some areas of the region in a way that cannot be
controlled at all.
Having been transferred to Izizimba from Nyamilama Ward recently, the
Executive Officer only claimed that there wasn't much that he could do
about this disturbing trend of environmental degradation.
Meanwhile, some Ward Executive Offices in Mwanza City have no latrines
either, prompting its bearers to go to their neighbours or the bush for
both 'short' and 'long' calls!
This pathetic lack of adequate latrines was manifest in the way one of
the officials had told this reporter that, "there is no latrine down
here…we ourselves go to the bush".
Although the office in question is endowed with a wide range of experts
including a Ward Health Officer, the latter, ironically, doesn't seem
to care about this matter of major concern.
Sekou Toure Hospital relegated
to lower status
· Committee formed to supervise its expansion
By Nasibu Rubeba
Sekou Toure, an institution which has been providing medical treatment
and care for ill or injured people in Mwanza town for years here, in its
capacity as a Regional Hospital, is not sufficiently able to cope with
growing health care demands, after all.
Describing the health services at the hospital are hopelessly inadequate,
new Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Daniel Ole Njoolay has recently appointed
a group of 15 people to deal with the hospital's expansion programme.
In his inauguration remarks, the Regional Commissioner said the committee
would be charged with resources mobilization and supervision of construction
work.
"Kind of resources that are needed in order to raise the hospital
to a higher rank are worth Shs. 2.5 billion", he said.
Outlining his proposals and how he intended to proceed, the Regional Commissioner
elaborated that the money would be spent on the construction of females',
males', children's, maternity and surgical wards.
The 160-bed hospital will need about 240 more beds, specialists, doctors
and nurses in order to cope with the increasing demand for better health
services in Mwanza city.
The scheme also involves construction of a mortuary equipped with at least
ten fridges and modern laboratory, whose technicians will have to be able
to manage district hospital laboratories as well, whenever need arises.
"The hospital will certainly need an emergency generator of 100 KVA
which will be used during the power cut", the Regional Commissioner
stressed adding: "the expansion work should be ready in two years
time".
Members of the 'Hospital Expansion Committee' include C.M. Gachuma of
Nyanza Bottling Company, Manjit Sandhu (Tilapia Hotel), Amran Batenga
(Regional TCCIA Chairman), Shariff Jamal (Mansoor Industries), Dr. Samson
Winani (Regional Medical Officer) and A.A. Kashaija (TUGHE Regional Secretary).
Others are Sr. Beata Musita of Nyakahoja Primary School, Rev. Jacob Kituu
(ELCT Diocese), George Minja (Safety Road Transport Committee Chairman),
Stephen Kazi (Mwanza Urban MP), Masunga Samson (Nyanza Gas Oil), S.K.
Patel (Nyanza Road Works), V.H. Shah (Lions Club), Chessus A. Lutego (Regional
Works Department) and Maria Hewa (Deputy Mwanza City Mayor).
People living along the Mirongo
served with notice to vacate
· Shs. 50 billion set aside for compensation
By Conges Mramba
Houses located along the controversial Mirongo tributary are scheduled
for demolition anytime from now, it has been learnt here.
In 2000 more than 30 people were feared dead when the raw sewage-laden
river burst its banks and flooded as a result of an unusually high rainfall
for December.
An Acting City Council Lawyer, Savella Manzi was quoted recently as saying
that all people living or with plots along the said river have already
been served with notices to vacate.
Responding to questions raised during a Councillors full Council meeting,
the Lawyer confirmed that some placards have been put in place in the
entire area designed to forbid the local people from any further plot
developments or construction of houses.
He said following the 2000 devastating floods, experts drawn from Land
and Town planning departments, Urban Water and Sewerage Authority, Lake
Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP) and Regional Commissioner's
office convened and agreed that there should be no structures within 10
metres of each side of the tributary.
"On this very reason, plots allocated to anybody should not be developed
pending verification", she told the full council.
In her own words, some 50 billion shillings has been set aside for compensating
all those who will have to vacate their premises.
Prime Minister, Frederick Sumaye had issued instructions that on-going
house constructions along the Mirongo should stop forwith, orders which
are yet to be abided by fully.
Do fluctuating prices force fishmongers
to tamper with weighing scales?
By Staff Writer
The most recent trend whereby prices of fish sold
to fish processing plants are falling has had the effect of forcing some
dishonest fishmongers to tamper with their weighing scales.
Whether or not this is a result of a growing fish-export industry is not
clear. But what is certain is that internationalization of trade in fish
has made both local fishermen and fishmongers become or feel less important.
Fluctuating fish prices between 1,200/= Sh. 2,000 per kilo just substantiates
the feelings of fishmongers who, in turn, tend to tamper with their weighing
scales to increase the profit margin.
Blaming owners of the fish processing plants for treating fishmongers
in an unfair and selfish manner for the former's own advantage, a resident
of Mwanza said, "they've exploited our generosity shamelessly for
quite a long time and now we are retaliating by tampering with our weighing
scales",
Anonymous fishmonger, who preferred anonymity, has appealed to the government
for help saying should such an unequal trade persist, further disputes
might sour relations between the two sides.
Scientists studying Lake Victoria equally fear that fishermen could be
compelled to resort to overfishing this time around in order to increase
the profit margin, denying local populations access to this major source
of food.
Lake Victoria, the world's second largest fresh waterbody contained more
than 400 fish species the majority of which have already disappeared in
the wake of overfishing and environmental pollution.
Mabatini residents abhor animal feeds mills operating
in their areas
By Pauline David
An unpleasant smell of rotting animal feeds from a nearby mill has prompted
Mabatini residents to make an appeal to the government for help.
A ten-cell leader of 'Police line' area, Raphael Temu has confirmed that
the stench is so extremely disturbing to his people that he decided to
follow the matter up.
He said he subsequently discovered that the mill was in fact grinding
fish remains, popularly known as 'punks' instead of grinding grain into
flour.
"The owner of the mill was given a licence to allow him to grind
grain and not animal feeds", said the ten-cell leader looking rather
enraged.
When asked, one of the mill's attendants, who preferred anonymity, said
the stench was caused by a consignment of the 'punks' brought while it
was still damp.
"To the best of my knowledge, 'punks' normally, give off a pungent
odour when still in the process of drying", he clarified.
Some residents have lately complained bitterly against flour mills and
garages that are operating illegally in the locality but the City Council
Authorities have been completely insensitive to such feelings.
Meanwhile, Bayizi Nkugutwa reports that the authorities have ultimately
taken immediate action to stop proliferation of illegal garages whereby
any vehicles found parked therein are being placed in the custody of the
City Council.
According to the reliable reports, the owners of the vehicles in question
then become punished by making them pay a fine of 50,000/= and above.
"And should they fail to comply with the said punishment, the vehicles
will be sold by auction", insisted the City Council official.
Environmentalists contend that workshops, garages, industries and mills
take the lead in degrading urban centres including Mwanza town largely
due to lax attitude to health and safety regulations on the part of owners
as well as City Council authorities themselves.
All those responsible for illegal
waste pipes connections to the Mirongo must be punished - Call
By Bayizi Nkugutwa
JUWAMATA Counseling Coordinator has challenged Mwanza City Council Authorities
to introduce new measures to prevent further pollution of Mirongo river.
The tributary which enters Lake Victoria, commonly laden with raw sewage,
is being blamed for contaminating the world's second largest freshwater
body.
The NGO's Coordinator, M/S Ibrahim proposed that the river must now be
enclosed with at least a barbed wire to prevent trespassing now that some
unruly residents have turned the tributary into a dump.
In her opinion, since colossal amounts of the said raw sewage are thought
to have originated in the households, people who have connected their
waste pipes to the river illegally must be taken to court.
"These could be some of the answers we are looking for", she
said looking rather disturbed.
It is estimated that the tributary discharges at least 61.5 million litres
of effluents, into the lake daily, rendering it a potential source of
health hazards to over 500,000 city residents, majority of whom depend
on the lake for their water requirements.
The water intake is actually situated at a stones throw distance at Capri-point,
from where the raw sewage-laden tributary enters the lake.
That some drinking water ought to be boiled first now a days is enough
proof that the lake is so highly polluted that such epidemics as cholera,
diarrhoea, vomiting, dysentery and typhoid fever are rampant here in Mwanza.
Traditional healers taught about
environmental management in Magu
By Staff Writer
More than 300 traditional healers, based in Magu
district, have undergone sort of a training on environmental management,
organised by 'Sukumaland Older Women's Programme' (SOWP).
The participants to the unique training were basically reminded that they
should always consider cleanliness to be very important when carrying
out extensive tests on their patients.
Normally, the traditional healers don't have the habit of keeping things
neat and in order, much to the detriment of both themselves and their
clients.
During the training, the traditional healers were also told that it is
forbidden for anyone to possess such trophies as hide, fur, tusks, shells,
feathers and the like without permission, according to SOWP Manager, Sixbert
Mbaya.
"In addition, they were reminded of the hidden dangers associated
with the art, use or practice of magic especially with evil spirits in
healing patients", said the Manager adding:
"This very use or practice of magic with evil spirits has been a
major cause of conflicts and frictions in the society that have still
to be resolved".
Supported by the Help Age International headquartered in England, SOWP
operated in Magu District, in collaboration with other non-governmental
organisations like MAPERECE and NABROHO.
Natives entitled to benefit from locally-available natural resources
By Martha Tesha, Nairobi
Africa Youth Parliament (AYP) session which took place in Nairobi, Kenya
recently, among other things, proposed that natives living in areas endowed
with natural resources should get top priority in utilizing them.
The proposal was put forward after considerable discussion in the parliament,
particularly on the issue of poverty stricking the African youths. The
session drew about 166 youths from 45 African countries.
Presenting his paper earlier on, an Environmentalist, Samson Kitikiti
from Zimbabwe, attributed the said abject poverty largely to environmental
degradation.
He suggested that in order to rectify the situation, education programme
on environmental conservation be devised, therefore, with a view to creating
awareness among the youths and the general public at large.
"In addition to educating the youths, a series of other environmental
campaigns for tree-planting, for example, seminars and fora are equally
important in conserving the environment.
Later on, Kenyan Minister for Gender, Culture and Sports, Najib Balala
said bad governance in Africa was the major cause of present political
turmoils, economic difficulties, cultural and defence inadequacies facing
many countries.
According to the Minister, it is, therefore, high time a centre was established
for training youths for leadership skills. He disclosed that such a centre
would be based in Nairobi.
On the Africa Youth Parliament, the Minister described it as an important
forum which brings youths together for their continent's well being and
prosperity.
Chris Tooley, an observer from the New Zealand-based International Youth
Parliament said youths were a catalyst for change and, must always have
highly innovative approaches in dealing with burning problems facing their
respective countries.
Another observer, Victor Agarual from England also spoke highly of AYP
saying it is crucial to Africa because it will sensitize the youths to
contesting seats in parliament to bring about much cherished changes.
Agarual, himself a Councillor for Spelthorne Borough, said he was voted
in office at the age of 24 and that eversince he has been a patron of
full meetings held by Councillors aged between 12 - 18.
"At such government-funded sessions, held six times per year, discussions
are centred on matters pertaining to youths, with a view to grooming them
for leadership career", he elaborated.
Also in attendance were a delegation from Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni,
former Senegalese President, Abdou Diouf and a delegation from former
UN Secretary General, Boutros Boutros Ghali.
Issues which were high on the agenda were on poverty, political crises,
HIV/AIDS, governance, development and gender.
Indignant resident wants to see RC about filthy
city environs
By Staff Reporter
A resident of Kirumba, in Mwanza is so indignant
at what he regards as filthy city environs that he wants to see the Regional
Commissioner about the situation.
The resident, 'Power' Musa (65) said he arrived at such a decision upon
discovery that environs were unbearably filthy.
"I am afraid this kind of situation can result in the rapid outbreak
and rapid spread of cholera and related highly infectious diseases",
he said disgustingly.
The elderly 'Power' openly blamed some officials including those in the
City Council for the stinking environs of the City.
"It really disgusts me to see that Mwanza, currently rated as the
county's second largest town, is that much filthy", he lamented.
He mentioned the famous Rwegasore road and all bus stands, particularly
that of 'Miti Mirefu', located in the heart of Mwanza town, as the areas
highly polluted with urine and even faeces.
"I can't keep quiet about this, serious environmental pollution anymore
and have, therefore, decided to go and see the Regional Commissioner",
added the dejected 'Power'.
On his side, the Regional Commissioner himself described Mwanza City environs
as not attractive at all. Ole Njoolay has reported here to succeed Stephen
Mashishanga who has been transferred to Morogoro.
He made the remark recently here during a press conference, based on his
personal observations, about the City's general environmental condition.
The Regional Commissioner said he was determined to see that Mwanza town
was restored to its former glory.
To that effect, he said, he has already directed the City Council to devise
a comprehensive scheme for redeveloping Mwanza City within three months,
with effect from 15th March, this year.
"Failure to comply with the said directive will naturally compel
us to take further measures", he warned.
'VETIVA' grass ideal for land conservation
By George Mbelwa, Ukiriguru
Attempts to reduce soil erosion can be possible if 'vetiva' type of grass
is planted around areas devoid of vegetation cover or on mountain slopes.
A Conservationist working for the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania
(WCST), Paul Nyiti has described 'Vetiva' as the most ideal grass for
environmental conservation the world over.
"Plant the edges of the road, bridges and fields with the vetiva
grass and you can be rest assured of getting not only plenty of forage
for cattle, also a guaranteed shield against both soil erosion and strong
winds", he said.
The 'vetiva' grass, according to the conservationist, is available at
the Dar es Salaam-based non governmental organisation called 'Tanzania
Vetiver Grass'.
Children's chronic diseases curable
- Sorcerer
By Staff Writer
Ephraim Mwirabi, a resident of Post 'B' in Mabatini area in Mwanza,
who is believed to practice magic, claims to be able to cure children's
chronic diseases.
The ten-cell leader mentioned epilepsy, a disease of the nervous system
that causes a person to fall unconscious (often with violent movements
of the body) and intestinal disorders, as some of the diseases which he
can be able to cure.
Others include cold, common illness affecting the nose or throat, pneumonia,
a serious illness affecting one or both lungs, (causing difficulty in
breathing) and cerebral malaria.
"Therefore, parents whose diseased children were once admitted to
