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By Our Reporter
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has reiterated the need for strict adherence to environmental laws, urging investors and stakeholders to comply with regulations to protect ecosystems and public health.
This was emphasized during a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 15, 2026, at Maji House within the Mwanza Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MWAUWASA) building in Mwanza.
The meeting brought together participants from Mwanza, Mara and Simiyu regions, including mining investors, industrial operators, hazardous waste transporters and processors, as well as environmental consultants.
The meeting aimed to remind stakeholders of their rights and obligations under the Environmental Management Act of 2004 and its regulations.
NEMC officials delivered various presentations focused on improving understanding of proper legal compliance and ensuring that economic activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
Investors were urged to complete registration procedures and undertake Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) before implementing their projects.
The council noted that this step is essential in protecting the environment, human health and biodiversity, while also helping investors avoid legal consequences associated with non-compliance.
Environmental consultants were also reminded to uphold professional ethics by providing accurate information and avoiding any form of misrepresentation.
NEMC warned that failure to adhere to professional standards could result in deregistration and pose risks to both the environment and surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, government institutions were encouraged to strengthen collaboration in enforcing environmental laws and regulations. NEMC stressed that coordinated efforts among regulatory bodies are critical to achieving sustainable development.
Institutions that participated in the meeting included the Regional Commissioner’s Office Mwanza, the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA), local government authorities from Mwanza, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the Fire and Rescue Force Tanzania, the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) Tanzania, and the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).
NEMC said it will continue organizing similar meetings in other regions to enhance awareness, strengthen accountability, and promote environmentally sustainable practices across the country.
