Managing environmentally harmful economic activities in informal settlements : The case of the Dar es Salaam City -Tanzania

Good monitoring system of small scale industries in the informal settlement indicates the compliance of the industrial operation to environmentally and friendly living environment. The concept represents an equilibrium state between the pollution prevention brought by the industries operation to the environment and citizens. The achieved locating and monitored operation that has led to pollution prevention in the settlement implies the presence of good monitoring mechanism by the responsible authorities. On the other hand, it implies the government is properly functioning in executing its policies, legislation and development standards, otherwise the reverse is true The aim of this study was to document and assess from the governmental perspective the key actors' role and powers in monitoring the locating and operating of the industries in informal settlements. It was also aimed in analysing the existing enforcement tools used for monitoring the same. Thereafter, to identify the basic elements for improvement if the prevailing situation has to rectified This research has answered one main research question including six supplementary questions. The main research question aimed in determining whether there are monitoring mechanisms in locating and monitoring the operations of the small scale industries in informal settlements in Dar es Salaam City. The sub research questions aimed in identifying factors considered for locating, actors involved with the roles and powers, assessing the operations monitoring mechanisms, individuals' perception on the operation of the industries towards environmental and health risks. Finally but not least it aimed at identifying main elements for improvement if the settlement has to have friendly living environment. Non standardized guideline questions were used for information collection. In assessing the monitoring system it was realised the presence of weak monitoring mechanisms despite the presence of general legislations and policies for guiding small scale industry development and operations. About 82% of the industrial developers and operators interviewed neither complied with the legislation and policies nor did they the environmentally friendly. About 50% of the housing unit owners interviewed have a negative perception of the industry operations particularly for the environment friendly and health risks. The uncoordinated government institutions responsible for monitoring the small scale industries have contributed tremendously to the existing situation. This study recommends to have a thoroughly review on monitoring mechanisms and enforcement tools. Despite the environmental awareness creation to different potential institutions responsible for locating and monitoring, this study recommends the adoption of new technology to include Cleaner production and Upsizing (Zero Emissions) by the government to the industrial developers. Beside, it is important to take into account both internal and external factors that might affect the establishment of this new changes.