NDC acting Director Heavy Industry, Ramson  Mwilangali was speaking last week. “Our findings indicate that the project could potentially generate almost Tsh480billion ($290.6 million) in revenue, from Engaruka Basin alone. And it will also generate Tsh240billion-(145.3 million) after selling 0.5 million tones of soda ash from Lake Natron,” he said.

NDC acting Managing Director Mlingi Mkucha said, the project is in the final stages of being implemented once the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is verified and approvals given. 

“We cannot start implementing this project until we are certified that environmental impact assessment has been conducted. The intention is to ensure that, decision makers consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with the project,” he said.

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 Detailing more benefits of the project, Mwilangali said once the project starts, the government will be able to save its foreign currency by halting purchases from Kenya.

The expert said it has been costing the government $300 per one tonne of soda ash. “So, if this project takes off, that money will be retained for other uses,” he said.

Prof. Jonathan Kabigumila, who was in charge of scientific studies on Lake Natron, said currently the human population around  in the vicinity does not pose a threat to lake resources. 

But warned that with the expected growth of tourist industry and other economic activities following construction of proposed tarmac road through area, bigger influx of immigrants may occur, which will result in putting more pressure on fragile ecosystem. 

Soda ash found in Lake Natron in being harvested by local communities for various uses, but not for industrial use. The initial plans for soda ash mining were to pump back about 9,424 cubic metres of water. The reduction of such amount of water is said by experts that would not have significant effect on the lake water balance. However Prof Kabigumila said the amount pumped back will account for only 0.2% of lake volume depending on the technology being used.

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