Mtwara Port acts on concerns over coal dust pollution

Mtwara. Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) in Mtwara has outlined its plans to curb environmental pollution following an increase in coal exports to various parts of the world.

Mtwara Port manager Noberth Kalembwe said temporary strategies being considered were aimed at preventing the spread of coal dust in the environment.

He said a permanent solution will involve finalising a feasibility study for development of small ports along the coasts of Mtwara and Lindi regions.

Mr Kalembwe added that a special facility for handling coal and cement consignments would be built on Mgao Island in Mtwara District, and will be capable of handling up to 100,000 tonnes of the two commodities per day.

Speaking exclusively to The Citizen, he said a conveyor belt for cargo handling would be constructed next year, and was expected to significantly increase efficiency at the port.

“The project consultant has been found by TPA headquarters in Dar es Salaam. The project is expected to commence next February,” he said.

Currently, he said infrastructure has been improved as polluted water collected at the coal storage area was channelled at ponds specifically built for treatment and recycling.

“The coal storage area is also covered with dust spread by the wind. We have procured six spray canons that are used for moisture application on stored coal in order to prevent excessive dust at the area and therefore the atmosphere,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Kalembwe said the port has been pouring water on dusty roads, which is another temporary measure to reduce environmental pollution caused by the booming coal business in southern regions.

Speaking to The Citizen, Likombe councillor Said Seif said environmental pollution was among the complaints voiced by citizens the area.

“However, investors have been cooperative by taking measures to reduce the challenges including pouring water on the roads and covering trucks carrying the product to the port,” he said.

But Mr Kalembwe said demand for Tanzania coal has been on the increase, hinting that plans were afoot to ensure that the product would penetrate the South African market next month.

He said apart from Ruvuma Coal Mines Limited and Jitegemee Holdings that are currently exporting the produce, four more firms are expected to start their engagement in the business.

Ruvuma Coal Mines Limited and Jitegemee Holdings exported over 830,000 tonnes of coal since commencement of the business in November, 2021, according to him.

Furthermore, Mr Kalembwe said 19 marine vessels that docked at the port exported the product to the Netherlands, Poland, India, Ghana, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Coal exports has boosted activities at the Mtwara Port that have recorded an increase in the volume of cargo to 592,365 tonnes in 2021/22 as compared to 177,388 tonnes handled in 2020/21.

Already, 166 vessels have been handled in 2021/22 as compared to 84 ships that were attended in 2020/21.

The port’s chief accountant, Mr Teddy Kalolo, said during a visit by Mtwara regional commissioner Ahmed Abbas Ahmed that soaring coal exports had significantly boosted revenue collected by the port.

“The port has earned Sh23 billion last financial year as compared to Sh11 billion collected in 2020/21,” he said, attributing the increase to coal exports.

Ruvuma Coal Mines Limited representative Said Gadafi said modern mining equipment have been procured in order to increase production and meet global demand in Europe, Asia and some other African countries.

“We have increased the production target from 200,000 tonnes to 350,000 tonnes for the monthly exports,” said Mr Gadafi.

The government invested Sh157.8 billion for renovating Mtwara Port that involved construction of new berths, therefore improving the port’s cargo handling capacity from the previous volume of 400,000 tonnes to the present one million tonnes