The ‘total ban’ on plastic bags announced by the Vice President’s Office in August 2016 was to be implemented on January 1, 2017, but has been postponed as official work out the details. Photo: Daniel Hayduk
Plastic bags were to be banned in mainland Tanzania effective January 1, with official notices widely published by the government in 2016.
However Dar Post has learned that the bag ban has been delayed as officials continue to work out the details; the measure must still be ratified by the President as well.
When the ban does come into effect, there will be an amnesty period after which the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) will conduct spot checks with on-the-spot fines for businesses not adhering to the ban.
The move to ban plastic bags was heralded as ‘great news‘ by the environmental community.
Zanzibar switched to paper bags in 2005, as did Rwanda in 2008.
Been told new details for plastic bag ban: 6-mth exemption, NEMC to enforce, on-spot fines, needs Magufuli approval. Will happen later in yr
— Dan Ashby (@danielashby) January 4, 2017
Don’t let this ‘pause’ stop the pressure nor the behaviour change. All of the worlds problems could have been solved easily when they were small. Vote YES – this IS important. Our environment IS important for human and planet health. The world is waking up to the spiraling threats of plastic waste – don’t delay! Znz and Rwanda have been successful, so can we be.