THE Pugu dumpsite on the southern reaches of Ilala District in the city of Dar es Salaam has been identified as having the highest air pollution levelso in the city.

Dr Mbazingwa Mkiramweni, a lecturer at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), disclosed this situation during the 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) citing DIT research showing that the situation at Pugu dumpsite is worsening, demanding  robust measures to address the challenge.

The situation poses significant health risks to the population within the vicinity, the study noted, affirming that the area records more than 100 units of particulate matter (PM), excessivly high in comparison with World Health Organisation (WHO) compliant average levels of PM2.5 and PM10.

Other locations with noticeable air pollution include those bordering heavy traffic congestion like Vingunguti primary school and the Morogoro Road intersection with Kawawa Road at Magomeni, Kinondoni District.

 “The research project aimed at assessing and monitoring air quality across Dar es Salaam city and its surrounding areas, especially in industrial and residential zones where pollution levels during the night are particularly high,” he stated.

He said that the institute is mandated to conduct research,where it involved the deployment of 13 cost-effective PurpleAir PA-II sensors in various locations across the city, measuring pollution from May 2021 to February 2022. 

The sensor sites included the Pugu Dump, DMDP building at Magomeni, Madale, Vijibweni Hospital, Buza Clinic, Makuburi, the Ubungo municipal offices and Mlimani City complex, he elaborationg, citing other locations as Sinza Hospital, Kigamboni municipal office, DIT, Vingunguti primary school and Temeke Ddistrict Environment Offices.

 “While Pugu is an open designated dumpsite, DMDP Magomeni station is situated close to a major road intersection and had similar high pollution levels,” he affirmed..

The research project was a collaborative effort involving the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa Centre, C40 Climate Leadership Group, DIT, the Dar es Salaam City Council (DCC) and the regional secretariat, he said.

The project is meant to design an air pollution monitoring system for the city, conducting extensive data collection using ground-based and satellite sensors, he specified.

The project is focused on measuring microscopic solid particles or tiny liquid droplets (PM2.5 and PM10) that can be inhaled and in excess, may cause severe health complications.

“PM levels from 0 to 50 are considered safe. However, levels exceeding 50 can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. It is advised not to spend more than 24 unbroken hours in such areas ,” he enmhasised.

Temeke recorded high sensor readings during the night, possibly due to industrial activities, he said, explaining that sensors were strategically placed within a one-kilometer or not less than 500 meters from the target areas for accurate research purposes. Real-time data was continuously transmitted via mobile devices, he said in illustration.

Dr Mwanaada Kilima, a pulmonary and critical care physician at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) highlighted health complicationso arising from air pollution, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hormonal disorders, neurological distirbamces, pneumonia, eye problems and even miscarriages.

“Air pollution remains a major contributor of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally, so efforts should also be directed to curb the challenge,” the specialist added.