Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has directed the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) to strengthen professionalism, integrity and accountability in environmental management while ensuring that its regulatory role does not delay the implementation of strategic national development projects.
Speaking during a working visit to NEMC headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Dr Nchimbi urged the council's employees to perform their duties with diligence, teamwork and integrity, warning against corruption and abuse of office.
He said environmental regulators must safeguard the country's natural resources while facilitating sustainable economic growth by placing the national interest above personal considerations.
"NEMC should remain a catalyst for environmental conservation and national development by carrying out its responsibilities professionally, transparently and efficiently," he said.
The Vice President commended the council as it marks 40 years since its establishment, saying it has grown into one of the country's most trusted institutions in environmental protection.
He also welcomed NEMC's 2026/27–2030/31 Strategic Plan, describing it as a timely framework for improving environmental governance through stronger enforcement, technological innovation and sustainable resource management.
Dr Nchimbi praised the introduction of national environmental conservation and cleanliness competitions, saying the initiative would encourage tree planting, improve sanitation and strengthen public participation in environmental protection.
He proposed that, alongside recognising top-performing institutions and local authorities, the programme should also identify poor performers to enhance accountability and encourage improvement.
To ensure the initiative succeeds, he directed the Vice President's Office responsible for Union Affairs and Environment to work closely with NEMC in coordinating and implementing the nationwide competitions.
The Vice President further called on the council to intensify efforts to promote clean cooking energy, expand the use of modern technologies in environmental protection and strengthen waste recycling systems as part of Tanzania's transition to a greener economy.
He also welcomed ongoing efforts to transform NEMC into a fully-fledged regulatory authority, saying the reform has received strong backing from the Sixth Phase Government because of its importance in strengthening environmental governance.
NEMC Director General Dr Emmaculate Sware said the council's new five-year Strategic Plan is designed to enhance the efficiency of environmental management, expand the use of digital technologies, strengthen compliance monitoring and enforcement, and promote a green economy while building resilience to climate change.
She said the strategy would guide the council's operations over the next five years as it responds to emerging environmental challenges while supporting the country's sustainable development agenda.
The visit was attended by the Minister of State in the Vice President's Office (Union Affairs and Environment), Hamad Masauni, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Richard Muyungi, alongside senior government officials.
