Tanzania – Msimbazi River Action Network

The Problem

The Msimbazi river flows across Dar es Salaam City from the higher areas of Kisarawe in the Coastal region and discharges into the Indian Ocean. Because of its location, the river ahs been an important resource for residents in the Dar es Salaam city in various ways. Additionally, the river has been abused by different sectors as a dumping site for effluent and other pollutants produced by the city. As a consequence of the high levels of pollution, the river’s water quality has sharply decreased, and is no longer safe for consumption, domestic uses, or even irrigational uses.

Studies have indicated high levels of heavy metal in the river, run-off from local industry. Additionally, toxins in the river are also attributable to the presence of a waste dump site besides the river in Vingunguti area, which continually leaks greater and greater degrees of effluent into the water. A local abattoir located near the river is another significant source of discharge into the water. Sources of pollution from domestic households include poor sanitation systems mainly from septic tank and pit latrines that are used by about 85% of the city population. Agricultural activities using manure and fertilizers both in the basin and at the beds of the river have made the pollution problem more complicated. Ultimately, it is clear that the sources of pollution impacting the river are quite numerous and diverse.

So far, several stakeholder groups have gotten involved with this issue. Stakeholder groups, each with a particular focus, have taken the first steps towards intervening in this clear environmental hazard. For example, LEAT successfully filed a case in court to forbid the dumping of waste in the Vingunguti area. Enviropro, another Dar es Salaam based organization, worked to improve the abattoir. Such efforts are isolated however, and primarily prevent further contamination more than remediate the problem such that it currently exists. It is necessary at this point to synchronize the efforts of all interested parties, to maximize their overall effect.

Project Activity

The general objectives of the network that was developed were to clean the Msimbazi river and prevent future pollution. Specifically the objectives of the network were:

(i) Identify all Msimbazi river stakeholders; (ii) Categorize stakeholders and their analyses; (iii) Assign roles and responsibilities to each group of stakeholders; (iv) Facilitate and assist member of the network in cleaning the river; (v) Develop a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

The strategy to fulfill these objectives involves two phases. The first phase focuses on the identification of the various stakeholders and their analyses of the situation. The second phase focuses on workshops that allow the stakeholders to come together, share findings, and work to develop and implement the strategies necessary to complete this project.

Outcome

Although the research was not extensive, this project focused on three major issues: Msimbazi river and its basin, problems associated with pollution, and the gathering of all stakeholders into a coordinated network. The objective of this project has been attained in that it compiled reliable information about the sources of pollutions, the perspectives of the stakeholders, current roles and activities by those involved, and determining local willingness to be involved in such a network project. In conducting the research, it was discovered that the majority of stakeholders and community members considered it the responsibility of the government alone to remediate the contamination in the Msimbazi river.

They were pessimistic about future success of the clean-up, as the government has typically not been very efficient. However, they agreed that with the combined forces of the proposed network, alleviation of the problem might be possible. The community stakeholders know best the history of their surroundings and the sources of the water pollution.

But, due to lack of efficient communication channels to the government, this resource has previously not been effectively utilized. The private sector helps to provide these channels. NGOs and CBOs are available to work closely with communities, and their role cannot be overemphasized. The role of the government is paramount in the network, as they have the power to curb the most significant pollution issues.

Now that this relevant information has been assembled, the stakeholders must be brought together to determine the next steps. A workshop is recommended whereby all interested parties may meet and agree to officially instigate the Msimbazi River Action Network. It is also recommended that the following actions be performed after the formation of the Network:

i) Preparation of a memorandum of understanding to be signed by all parties interested in joining the network;

ii) Drafting of an action plan with the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder category;

iii) Drafting of an action plan regarding the discussion and endorsement during stakeholders’ future meetings;

iv) Development of a monitoring mechanism to ensure smooth implementation of the network’s activities.