Bagamoyo. The Bagamoyo District Commissioner, Mr Shaibu Ndemanga, has moved to address environmental concerns raised by residents living near the Africa Steel Company Limited’s plant in Fukayosi Ward, following reports of air pollution linked to the facility’s operations.
During an official tour of the steel mill on July 15, Mr Ndemanga held consultations with the management team and inspected the ongoing construction of an exhaust system intended to reduce smoke emissions affecting neighbouring communities.
He was briefed that the installation of the exhaust pipe was progressing at pace, with the factory prioritising completion to minimise its environmental footprint.
The visit came in the wake of growing complaints from local residents over air quality in the vicinity, prompting the DC to intervene and assess both the scale of operations and the measures being taken to mitigate pollution.
“We are committed to balancing industrial progress with the well-being of our people. Residents’ concerns must be taken seriously, and I urge the factory management to expedite the installation and ensure it meets safety and environmental standards,” Mr Ndemanga said.
He further urged factory employees and local stakeholders to channel any concerns or operational challenges to his office for prompt redress, adding that open communication was vital in fostering an enabling environment for investment and community coexistence.
On the matter of electricity supply, Mr Ndemanga assured the factory that the government was implementing major infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing power reliability across the country, and urged investors to remain confident in the national grid’s capacity.
“The government is aware of the critical role that energy plays in industrial growth, and plans are already in motion to expand and stabilise electricity supply, especially in fast-growing regions like Bagamoyo,” he noted.
