Tanzanian Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Tuesday the ban on plastic bags that is to come into effect from June 1 will not be called off and people are urged to adopt the change.
She said there is no plan of returning back from the ban order as with the change will come reduced environmental pollution.
Speaking at a meeting in Dar es Salaam the VP asked all the leaders to help in enforcing the ban.
Samia further said, “This exercise cannot be reversed, it cannot fall, everyone must be responsible to celebrate its success. We want our country to join a few of those who have already succeeded on the continent (Africa).”
Minister of State January Makamba said plastic bag manufacturers have been directed to form an association to help ease the transition.
He added that manufacturers of plastic bags will be approached before June 1 deadline and look at how paper bags can be made affordable and available in Tanzania.
Talking further in the meeting he said, “We don’t expect a low supply of alternative paper bags because more than 70 firms have confirmed to have started producing alternative carrier bags, offers are still finalizing their registrations to enter into the business.”
NEMC director general Dr Samuel Gwamak said Tuesday damping zones will be allocated for plastic bags and people will be informed about it.
Plastic Manufacturers Association of Tanzania (PMAT) meanwhile has shown no regret to the ban announced by Parliamentary Committee.
