Automobile air pollution in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania

Abstract

Automobile air pollution is a growing problem in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and as such it needs immediate attention before it goes out of control. The problem is most pronounced in the city centre especially during rush hours. This paper starts by citing some environmental effects of air pollution. It then analyses the problem of automobile air pollution in Dar es Salaam. It also goes on to show that vehicles in Dar es Salaam whose number is increasing at the rate of 6.3% annually contribute to the problem. Furthermore, the paper reveals that one of the main reasons for the air pollution problem in the city centre is large traffic volume which is concentrated on just 4.4% of the total road length in the city. Another reason identified in this paper is the increase in number and density of high rise buildings which end up hindering pollutant dilution by natural ventilation. A shortage of parking places also contributes to the problem. This paper further reveals that automobile exhaust gas coefficients for nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide are 10 times those of the USA. This is mainly attributed to low-energy efficiency of engines of most of the cars plying city roads due to old age. Concentrations of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas are also found to be high. Finally, this paper forwards legal and administrative as well as technical measures to arrest the problem. Enacting and enforcing of special laws pertaining to control and prevention of air pollution are also emphasised along with other measures.