What You Need to Know
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has suspended operations at JUYE Concrete Company in Dar es Salaam due to ongoing pollution complaints from local residents. Following inspections, NEMC found the company had failed to address environmental concerns, leading to the closure until corrective measures are implemented. NEMC stresses the importance of balancing industrial development,
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has shut down JUYE Concrete Company Ltd, a concrete manufacturing plant located in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, following allegations of environmental pollution affecting nearby residents.
The closure was announced today, February 12, 2026, by NEMC’s Manager for Compliance, Promotion and Monitoring Hamadi Taimuru, after conducting a surprise inspection at the facility to assess whether previously issued directives had been implemented.
According to Taimuru, the factory has been under inspection since last year and has been issued four directives to rectify identified shortcomings. However, complaints from nearby residents regarding dust emissions and wastewater discharge have continued to be reported.
Taimuru emphasized that while industries are vital for national development, they must operate with consideration for public welfare.
“Our country needs industries for production and development, because there is no development without industries. However, this development is for the people. If a factory harms people, even if we produce goods, we will have no one to sell them to. We must protect the health of our citizens,” said Taimuru.
As a result, NEMC has suspended production at the plant until the required corrective measures are completed.
“We are suspending production at this factory to give them time to make the necessary improvements. If they complete the work today, we will come and reopen it. If they finish tomorrow, they will inform us and we will come,” he stressed.
For their part, JUYE Concrete Company Ltd Manager Cao Zhojun and his assistant Shery Chen said they recognize the importance of safeguarding public health and pledged to implement all directives issued by NEMC in order to resume production.
They explained that they had already ordered construction materials and reached an agreement with a subcontractor to begin improvement works.
“We ordered construction materials and already had a contract with a contractor who was set to begin work. Two days ago, we finalized the agreement, so starting tomorrow we will urge them to begin work immediately,” they said.
Meanwhile, NEMC also visited YK Tosh Premix, another plant that had voluntarily suspended production to carry out improvements aimed at controlling dust, noise and wastewater following complaints from nearby residents.
Taimuru urged the company’s management to maintain the suspension of production until all corrective measures are completed and environmental requirements are fully met, including obtaining inspection clearance.
He stressed that even if construction of improvements is ongoing, production activities that cause nuisance to neighboring communities will not be permitted to continue.
Taimuru further noted that NEMC recognizes the importance of industries to the national economy and continues to cooperate with investors. However, he insisted that they must comply with environmental laws to protect public health.
The NEMC Eastern Northern Zone Manager, Glory Komba, said the inspection was part of a follow-up on previously issued directives aimed at controlling nuisances such as dust, noise and wastewater affecting nearby residents.
She emphasized that investors must conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before launching projects in order to obtain proper professional guidance, reduce unnecessary costs and avoid inconveniencing surrounding communities.
Overall, NEMC has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws to ensure that industrial development goes hand in hand with the well-being of citizens.
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) plays a crucial role in enforcing environmental regulations in Tanzania, ensuring that industries comply with laws designed to protect public health and the environment. The recent suspension of JUYE Concrete highlights ongoing challenges in balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability, as communities increasingly voice concerns over pollution and its impacts on their health and quality of life. This incident reflects a broader trend in Tanzania, where regulatory bodies are becoming more proactive in addressing environmental issues and holding companies accountable for their operations.
