Tanzania Portland Cement given ultimatum over dust emissions

Tanzania Portland Cement Company Ltd (TPCCL) has been issued a two-month ultimatum from the government to improve its dust control or face a ban.

The Deputy Minister of State in the Vice President's Office (Union and Environment), Alphaxard Kangi Lugola, said local residents in Dar es Salaam faced health concerns due to the dust emissions from the plant.

"Having listened from both sides, I am now convinced that the dust problem is real. I am, therefore giving a two-month ultimatum for the company to find a lasting solution to this problem or else we will close down the factory until the matter is solved," said Mr Lugola who toured the factory in the company of officials from the National Environment Management Council (NEMC).

TPCCL Managing Director, Alfonso Velez, said the plant will work on the directives but added that they were already doing their best in preserving the environment.

"Our factory is already spending a lot of cash in preserving the environment. For example, we are using gas in production as a way of preserving the environment," he said.