Tanzania Prepares For Plastics Ban

The Government of Tanzania has indicated its intention to ban the use of plastic on July 1. A ban is already in place in Zanzibar, as well as in regional neighbours such as Kenya and Rwanda. 

The plan was confirmed by January Makamba, the minister for state in the Vice President’s Office who stated that the matter was being discuss with the relevant authorities including the National Environmental Management Council, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards, and the Tanzania Revenue Authority.

Makamba further confirmed that the regulations are ready and the Government is simply waiting for the gazette 

In addition the minister stated that the Government has bee encouraging the private sector to invest in environmentally friendly solutions.

Kenya has recently increased pressure for the ban of single-use plastic carrier bags across the region, calling on Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi to join Kenya and Rwanda. At the recent Heads of State Summit it was hoped that leaders from across the region would assent to the East African Community (EAC) Polythene Materials Control Bill. However, due to the reservations of several countries the Bill remained unsigned.