Environmental polluters in Lindi region to face prosecution

PRIME Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, has ordered immediate arrest and prosecution of environmental polluters in Lindi Region, decrying the alarming rate of dirtying the surroundings in the southern region. The premier, addressing a public rally in Lionmdi town on Wednesday this week, he directed the regional authorities to take stern measures against the culprits, warning that if the current trend continues unabated, the region is likely to turn into a desert, with most of the water catchments badly affected. He said instead of clearing the forest every year, sesame farmers should use their farms permanently for the cash crop growing, noting that sustainable agriculture should always support environmental conservation. Mr Majaliwa noted that the tree cutting would not only lead to desert but also shortage of food due to adverse effects on the water catchments. He said the government has this year spent about 75m/- on a borehole project, more than double the 35m/- spent on similar project in the past due to declining water sources. Lindi Regional Commissioner (RC), Godfrey Zambi, directed the ward and village leaders in the region to beef up security at areas surrounding forests, threatening stern actions against any leader failing to conserve the environment in their areas of discretion. “Those who are implicated in bush fire and cultivating near water catchment areas will now face the wrath of law,” said Mr Zambi.