Malawi fertilizer plant gets green light

The approval follows MEPA’s confirmation that the company has satisfied all environmental protection requirements and submitted an acceptable environmental management plan to ensure its operations comply with national regulations.

The development comes after weeks of public debate over delays surrounding the plant, that were raised due to safety and environmental concerns over the plant’s operations. Parliament recently established a committee to investigate what had been holding back the launch of the fertilizer factory.

The MEPA was concerned for the possible risk of heavy metals exposure to the local communities and environment, as well as a lack of adequate safety preparedness measures in place in case of emergency. Concerns were also raised over the plant’s proximity to the Kang’ona River, with fears that inadequate wastewater management could lead to pollution of the water source and disrupt downstream communities as well as pose a real threat to local aquatic life.

The clearance is expected to pave the way for the long-awaited start of local fertilizer production, a move that could strengthen Malawi’s agricultural sector and reduce reliance on imported fertilizer.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/environment/17072026/malawi-fertilizer-plant-gets-green-light/