Mozambique: Over 180 tonnes of waste removed from coastal areas
Ministry of Environment closes insulated box factory in Matola
10:48 CAT | 29 May 2017
Folha de Maputo
The Ministry of Land, Environment and Rural Development, MITADER, has closed down an insulated box factory in Matola municipality, Maputo province.
According to Radio Moçambique, the measure comes in response to complaints by residents in the vicinity which led MITADER to carry out an inspection to gauge the seriousness of the problem.
Speaking to Mozambican Television (TVM), residents complained that they were suffering from breathing problems from inhaling smoke and polluted air.
A MITADER inspection team visiting the facility immediately suspended production for a period of ten days, during which time the management of the company must present an environmental management plan and the relevant licenses.
“We received a complaint about pollution coming from the factory. The chimney is not tall enough for the activity being done, considering that there are residences nearby,” a representative of the Ministry told TVM.
“As it is not working right now, we cannot measure the level of impact, but we will take safety measures. We will suspend activity for ten days, during which period we must receive all the documentation regarding the licensing,” the source added.
According to Radio Mozambique, MITADER intends to return to the facility to evaluate the operation of all equipment before any final decision is made.
The factory was not in operation during the inspection visit, and access to the main area was not possible, allegedly because the keys could not be found.
A company representative of Chinese origin declined to give a statement to TVM.
Source: Folha de Maputo
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