Tanzania Suspends Tannery Over Wastewater and Environmental Violations
LW Desk
NEMC halts production at Phiss Tannery in Bagamoyo after finding inadequate effluent treatment and other environmental breaches.
Tanzania’s National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has suspended production at Phiss Tannery Co. Ltd in Zinga Ward, Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, following environmental violations linked to its leather-processing operations.
The suspension came after an inspection found that the tannery was discharging toxic wastewater into water sources, while also contributing to foul odours and air pollution in the surrounding area.
NEMC also found that some employees were working without the required personal protective equipment, raising additional concerns over workplace and environmental compliance.
Speaking on behalf of the NEMC Director General, Senior Environmental Officer Upendo Mtunguja said the tannery did not have an effective wastewater treatment system for effluent generated during leather-processing activities.
According to Mtunguja, the company had previously been instructed to establish an appropriate treatment system but had failed to adequately address the issue.
She said the suspension was necessary to prevent further pollution of water sources and the surrounding environment.
NEMC has urged the tannery and other industrial operators to comply with Tanzania’s environmental laws and regulations, as well as the conditions attached to their Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) certificates.
The council also stressed that proper environmental controls are essential for protecting water resources, air quality and communities located near industrial facilities.
The action against Phiss Tannery highlights the importance of effective wastewater management in leather processing, where untreated or inadequately treated effluent can create significant environmental risks.
NEMC’s intervention also signals continued enforcement of environmental requirements for industrial facilities and the need for tannery operators to address identified environmental risks before production resumes.
