LEONARD MWAKALEBELA in Dodoma, 30th June 2009 @ 00:22, Total Comments: 2, Hits: 1309
Members of Parliament yesterday called for immediate formation of a probe team to investigate the cause, magnitude and effects of the recent discharge of acid materials into River Tigiti in Tarime District from the North Mara Gold Mine.
They further called for full compensation for all victims as well as booking for all negligent government officials implicated in the scandal. Presenting their report during the Vice- President’s Office budget estimates debate, members of the Parliamentary Committee for Lands, Natural Resources and Environment said that the government should act urgently for justice to prevail.
“We recommend formation of the probe team to investigate the matter in terms of effects, magnitude of the disaster and victims’ compensation,” said the chairperson, Mr Job Ndugai (Kongwa-CCM). The opposition’s Environment Spokesperson Ali Kamis Seif (Mkoani-CUF), said such negligence by some government officials, who ignore such incidents, would lead the nation to precarious situation.
“We want all those involved to be taken to task, ‘’ he told the House, wondering what relevant authorities such as the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) are doing. “We (opposition) started complaining against such discharges since 2007, but we were ignored because we come from opposition.
The government should explain what measures are being taken to protect the health of the people around the area and compensate the victims,” Mr Seif demanded. Mr Charles Mwera (Tarime-Chadema) who raised the issue last week, prompting the Prime Minister, Mr Mizengo Pinda, to deploy the Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Ambassador Khamis Kagasheki, to the scene, said the mine should be closed down immediately.
He said many people and animals had been killed by the toxins which were now flowing to other areas beyond Tarime. River Tigiti is a tributary of River Mara. “Those experts who went to the scene and reported back that the water was safe should be taken to task. I was also expecting to hear some ministers stepping down due to this scam,” he stressed.
Mr Mwera joined other MPs to call on the government and the National Assembly to form a probe team to investigate the incident. Ludewa MP (CCM), Prof Raphael Mwalyosi, said Ihefu wetland and North Mara incidents leave a lot to be desired.
“Despite having laws and regulations in place, discharge of toxins, desertification and environment destruction continue unabated. “I think there’s weakness somewhere and due to population pressure, more similar incidents will occur and it’ll be too late to handle them,” he added. Ambassador Kagasheki was yesterday quoted by some media outlets in Tarime saying that the situation was alarming.
Total Comments on the above stories (2)
Comment
The issue of use of lethal liquids and other material in gold processing and in other industrial activities has not started to day. People in Buguruni have complained about toxic and colourful liquid waste from Urafiki and poor management of the oxidation pond; the Mbagala textime mill and pollution of rivers (river kizinga??) and residential areas flooded with waste water containing harzadous chemical are yet to be listened. In the Victoria Lake zone use of cynide by industrial gold investors has killed a number of livestock and wildlife. artisanal miners mining gold pollute water and their environment through processing gold in rivers and on river banks and crude dumping of water containing mercury is done. Both government and NGO workers in development see this going on. These foreign investors do so because this is not their country. They wouldn't do the same if they were in their countries. Local partners owning those firms should also be put to task. If possible, those breaking environment laws should have their factories closed down and expelled. This is because, they can afford to pay the fine whenever they kill and crudely dispose of carcinogenic and lethal chemicals.
Comment
What a shame! Why should the people of Mara and animals suffer and die when we have legitimate government, environmentalists, lawmakers, Ministers, Regional and district leaders, ward and nyumba kumi leaders. Where is the teamwork? Why should we allow Careless and manipulative investors such as those in Mara Region and other places pollute our environment and kill Tanzanians. Does the government value her people? Some officials must be held accountable for the loss of lives and degradation of enviroment. Remembers leaders you took an oath to defend and protect your nation on behalf of all Tanzanians. Tanzania is very beautiful country and Tanzanians should not permit greedy leader and exploiter ruin our land and precious lives that only God give and no one else. Political, civil, and religious leaders should learn from the late founding father of Tanzania Julius K.Nyerere who so much protected environment and the dignity of his own people.
It is not a bad idea to have investors who contribute to growth of our economy and employment. If their coming to our country is going to cause disaster, all steps must be taken by those vested with power to prevent them from entering our beloved country. High standards of the environment must be a priority number one when negotiating with investors. When the deal is made and agreement is signed, follow up must be done to make sure that the investors are following the agreement. If we allow our country to be a dumping what sort of a country shall we be handing to our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren? Wake up Tanzanians and confront your leaders who neglect your environment the best gift that God has given to you. You have the power to tell them enough is enough and vote them out during election. I believe all men and women of good will do what it takes to make sure that our Country remains the best, most beautiful and clean. Remember the so-called investors would never be allowed to do what they do to Tanzanians in their own country of origin. If they did what they did to Mara people their company would be stopped from conducting any business and finally liquidated. I hope we shall open our eyes and defend our country even if it means sacrificing our lives for the sake of truth.
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