Tanzania’s National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has suspended production at Phiss Tannery Co. Ltd in Zinga Ward, Bagamoyo District after finding the tannery was discharging wastewater into water sources and violating conditions attached to its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment certificate, according to multiple local media reports.

NEMC inspectors found the factory lacked an effective wastewater treatment system despite earlier instructions to establish one. The discharge had caused odour and air pollution in the surrounding area. Some employees were also found working without required protective equipment.

Speaking on behalf of NEMC Director General, Senior Environmental Officer Upendo Mtunguja said the suspension was necessary to prevent further pollution of water sources and the surrounding environment.

She urged factory owners to comply with environmental laws and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conditions, stressing the importance of meeting environmental requirements to protect water sources, air quality and surrounding communities from industrial pollution.

The suspension will remain in place until the tannery addresses the identified violations and establishes a compliant wastewater treatment system.

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