Members of Parliament have pressed the government to strengthen the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), warning that without full legal authority and sufficient funding, the country’s environmental protection efforts will remain fragile.
The concerns were raised during debate on the budget of the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), presented by Minister of State Hamad Yussuf Masauni.
Legislators from across the political divide said that while NEMC is mandated to oversee environmental conservation, it lacks the enforcement power needed to act decisively against violators.
Tabora Special Seats MP Christina Mndeme praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for facilitating the acquisition of a mobile laboratory, saying it will improve environmental monitoring through scientific verification.
She argued, however, that stronger legal backing would enhance accountability and allow the council to operate independently and more effectively.
Katavi MP Thomas Kampala said there is an urgent need to equip NEMC with “teeth” to confront rising cases of environmental destruction.
He noted that the institution often identifies serious violations but lacks the authority to impose strong penalties.
Bumbuli MP Ramadhan Hamza Singano highlighted budget constraints, noting that despite conducting inspections in critical sectors such as mining, oil and gas, the council’s capacity remains limited due to inadequate funding.
Arumeru East MP Joshua Nassari backed the calls, urging the government to take deliberate steps to reinforce NEMC so it can fully deliver on its mandate.
The lawmakers stressed that as environmental challenges intensify from pollution to deforestation strengthening NEMC is no longer optional but necessary to safeguard the country’s natural resources and public health.
