By Alfred Zacharia
The Tanzanian government has renewed its commitment to the fight against plastic pollution, warning individuals and businesses that continue to defy the national ban on plastic bags.
The move comes as the country gears up to celebrate World Environment Day early next month.
Addressing reporters in Dodoma today, the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng. Hamad Yussuf Masauni, said authorities will conduct surprise inspections at factories, informal production hubs, and marketplaces to track down and take legal action against those involved in the production or distribution of banned plastic packaging.
A key concern, the minister noted, is the illegal resurgence of tubing materials — a thin plastic film being used as packaging and shopping bags in violation of the standards set by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
“The government will not tolerate violations of the plastic ban. Anyone found contravening the law will face legal consequences,” warned Masauni.
He instructed the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), Local Government Authorities, and other regulatory bodies to work in close coordination to detect and eliminate the illegal plastic trade.
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Since June 2019, Tanzania has outlawed the manufacture, importation, distribution, and use of plastic carrier bags.
The move, widely praised at home and abroad, was part of a broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability and reduce pollution.
While significant progress has been made, Masauni admitted that enforcement gaps remain and that some substandard plastic products are making their way back into circulation, threatening the progress achieved so far.
To strengthen the ban, the government is scaling up public awareness campaigns and encouraging private investment in affordable, eco-friendly alternatives.
“I urge all Tanzanians to support this national effort by using reusable and environmentally friendly bags, which are now readily available at affordable prices,” said the minister.
Looking ahead to World Environment Day, which will be marked from June 1 to 5, the minister announced a series of nationwide events.
Dodoma will host the main commemorations, including an environmental exhibition that will showcase innovations, sustainable products, and services.
In addition, a special youth forum is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam on June 3, aiming to bring together students, entrepreneurs, and climate advocates to share ideas and experiences.
This year’s theme — “Tanzania Ijayo Tuwajibike Sasa, Dhibiti Matumizi ya Plastiki” (Let’s Act Now for the Tanzania of Tomorrow, Control Plastic Use), underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the country’s natural resources, vital to health, livelihoods, and long-term economic growth.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officiate the national celebrations, further reinforcing the government’s high-level commitment to protecting the environment.
