NEMC calls for full autonomy to strengthen plastic bag ban and environmental protection

Dodoma. The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has acknowledged that enforcing Tanzania’s plastic bag ban remains a challenge due to the council’s lack of full regulatory autonomy, leading to overlapping responsibilities with other agencies.

This was revealed by NEMC’s Director General, Dr Immaculate Semesi, on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Dodoma while discussing the achievements of the sixth-phase government.

Dr Semesi highlighted key challenges, including a shortage of qualified environmental consultants and rampant plastic pollution, stressing that granting NEMC full authority would enhance enforcement.

"If NEMC were granted full regulatory powers, we could effectively oversee environmental conservation without interference. This would help in controlling plastic bag usage, the discharge of industrial and mining chemicals, deforestation, and pollution of major lakes like Victoria and Tanganyika," she stated.

She explained that plastic bag regulation is currently managed by a 14-institution task force working together to curb their usage. However, NEMC often takes the blame as the lead agency that initially announced the ban on behalf of the Ministry.

Dr Semesi further emphasized that successful enforcement relies on multiple agencies, including law enforcement, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and local government authorities that oversee markets.

"Each institution must play its role. If the Ministry of Industry and Trade halts plastic bag production and imports, and immigration authorities prevent their entry, the problem will be solved. NEMC only intervenes when we see plastic bags returning, but we lack the direct enforcement power to act alone," she explained.

She also noted that NEMC is researching the biodegradability of non-woven bags to ensure they meet environmental and quality standards as viable alternatives to plastic bags.

In 2019, the government, through NEMC, banned plastic bags due to their long decomposition time and severe environmental impact.

New invasive water hyacinth threatens Lake Victoria

Dr Semesi also raised concerns over a new species of invasive water hyacinth that has spread rapidly across Lake Victoria since August 2024, with its effects becoming evident by February 25, 2025.

Efforts to control the spread are being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President – Union and Environment, alongside regional commissioners and local authorities from areas surrounding the lake.

According to her, the hyacinth has disrupted ferry operations by clogging engines, damaging fish farming infrastructure, and polluting the lake, leading to environmental and economic setbacks.

However, she noted that a meeting involving 12 institutions, including water basin authorities, local governments, and fisheries agencies, has been held to develop strategies for keeping Lake Victoria clean and safe.

One of the immediate measures is harvesting the water hyacinth in collaboration with local fishermen.

"We are working closely with local fishermen to remove the water hyacinth and minimize its impact as quickly as possible," Dr Semesi assured.