Tanzania: Acacia fined heavily for toxic water leaks

Tanzania: Acacia Fined Sh5.6bn* for Leaking Toxic Water

* approx. 2300 shillings equal US$1

By Peter Saramba

The Citizen

17 May 2019

Mwanza — The government has slapped Acacia's North Mara with a Sh5.6
billion fine for leaking contaminated water into residential areas and
rivers.

The mining firm has also been given a three-week ultimatum to correct some
of the weaknesses, which were identified in its sewage infrastructure.

According to an investigation carried out by the National Environmental
Management Council (Nemc) and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM),
Acacia leaked chemical components into the residential areas and water
sources, putting people's health and lives at risk.

The Nemc's Tarime region director, Dr Samuel Gwamaka, made the revelation
during an official tour of Acacia North Mara of the minister of State in
the Vice President's Office for Union Affairs and Environment, Mr January
Makamba and the Minerals minister, Mr Dotto Biteko. The government
officials went to inspect the Acacia's sewage system.

The two ministers emphasised that it was not the government's motive to
punish the firm for the leakage, but rather to ensure the safety of the
people and environment.

"The government wants to get a share of the profits you make from mining
gold, but we are obliged to protect people's health and lives as well as
our environment," said Mr Makamba.