The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has held a landmark working session with the Vice President of Tanzania, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, marking his first official engagement with the institution since his appointment.
The meeting aimed to align the roles and responsibilities of institutions under the Vice President’s Office and ensure effective implementation of environmental and union-related mandates.
The session, held at Hazina Hall in Dodoma, brought together management teams and staff from the Vice President’s Office, NEMC leadership, and officials from the National Carbon Monitoring Centre.
Speaking during the meeting, Vice President Dr. Nchimbi highlighted the enormous responsibility of safeguarding national unity, managing the environment, and promoting sustainable development.
He underscored that Tanzania’s 2050 Development Vision emphasizes environmental conservation, climate resilience, and the blue economy.
“The responsibility we have is enormous. National unity, environmental protection, and the blue economy are not trivial matters. We must support President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in the next 100 days to implement directives on the Union and environmental management. We are obligated to ensure that Tanzania’s environment is properly managed and protected,” Dr. Nchimbi said.
He directed that all government staff study the ruling party’s manifesto and the 2050 Development Vision, as these provide the foundation for government work.
He stressed that initiatives such as carbon trading, clean energy, and blue economy programs must be professionally managed, with clear monitoring systems to ensure successful implementation.
Dr. Nchimbi also called for a robust communications strategy to raise public awareness about environmental programs, educate youth on the significance of national unity, and ensure that heads of institutions strictly follow laws and guidelines in executing their duties.
Welcoming the Vice President, the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng. Hamad Yussuf Masauni, said NEMC must be strengthened to tackle growing environmental challenges, including water pollution and noise pollution.
“Nothing frustrates me more than driving along Ocean Road and seeing garbage scattered everywhere. I ask NEMC about it, and they say they lack the authority to act,” Eng. Masauni said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Vice President’s Office, Eng. Cyprian Luhemeja, pledged full support for all directives, promising close collaboration with officials across institutions under the Vice President’s Office.
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister of the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr. Festo Dugange, Deputy Secretary-General for Environment, Prof. Peter Msoffe, and Deputy Secretary-General for Union Affairs, Mr. Abdallah H. Mitawi.
