Pollution management in Zanzibar: the need for a new approach

Coastal pollution is increasingly becoming a source of concern in Zanzibar. Untreated municipal wastewater discharged into coastal waters and in some places directly onto coastal habitats, such as mangroves, is having serious impacts on the natural environment and potentially on the economic base that many of the islanders depend. Coastal pollution is threatening the health of mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs thus putting at risk the livelihoods of several coastal communities. Pollution emanating from municipal sources has also been directly linked to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, especially during the rainy seasons. Sewage pollution is also threatening the burgeoning tourism trade that is increasingly playing an important role in the development of the island. This paper examines the pollution problem in Zanzibar, and gives suggestions on how best to approach the problem. It is suggested that a holistic approach should be taken to counter the pollution problem and that sewage management should be alloyed within the overall integrated coastal zone management initiatives on the island.