Arend Kolhoff
Technical sectretary
The NCEA issued an advice to describe the expected environmental aspects of sugar production in four Tanzanian companies. It also provided recommendations on how to manage expected negative consequences. In general, no adverse effects were expected apart from effects of the use of a harmful pesticide.
Significant details
The objective of the advice of the Commission was: (i) to identify and assess (potential) environmental problems (including health) with respect to production and processing of sugar cane and: (ii) to advise on viable and affordable measures to improve environmental and health conditions.
The Commission is of the opinion that present sugar production at Tanganyika Planting Company (TPC), Kilombero I and II and Mtibwa will not result in unacceptable environmental problems within and/or outside the boundaries of the estate. For the near future it is not expected that unacceptable serious environmental problems will occur. There is one exception to this general conclusion: at TPC use is made of an internationally banned pesticide that may result in pollution of groundwater and surface water and can affect the health of people who apply it. It is recommended that use of this pesticide be stopped. The Commission recommended the development of an environmental management, health and safety plan for each company. The Commission’s advice was not used in the negotiations between the PSRC and the new company owners. In 1998 Kilombero l and ll and Mtibwa were privatized.