The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has banned the opening burning of waste across the country in order to curb serious risks to public health and the environment.
In a STOP NOTICE directive issued by the authority on Friday to all Cities, Urban Authorities, and District Local Governments, NEMA has ordered for the immediate end of open burning of waste within their areas of jurisdiction.
The directive follows an earlier communication referenced as NEMA/7.5 and NEMA/4.7.1 of 22nd August, 2024 reminding local government leaders of their statutory responsibility for environmental management under the devolved environmental governance framework.
According to Naomi Karekaho
Head, Corporate Communications NEMA, the directive was issued after numerous complaints from the public regarding the persistent open burning of waste in various urban areas.
“These reports have been corroborated by findings from recent environmental monitoring inspections conducted by NEMA inspectors across the country. The observations point to ongoing challenges in waste management, particularly in urban settings, despite the presence of a clear legal and technical framework” she said.
Karekaho further noted that the practice of open burning poses serious risks to public health and the environment, and is explicitly prohibited under Section 78 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, which forbids pollution of the environment in any form.
Karekaho urged all responsible authorities immediately stop the open burning of waste within their jurisdictions, conduct continuous awareness and sensitisation programmes for staff, waste handlers, and communities on proper waste management practices.
Karekaho warned that individuals or institutions that will continue engaging in open burning of waste, will be liable to enforcement actions which may include administrative fines, restoration orders, closure of offending facilities, and prosecution for environmental offences.
