Govt reaffirms commitment to tackle plastic waste
DODOMA: VICE -PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has reaffirmed the government commitment to collaborate with stakeholders, private sector and the international community in addressing the problem of plastic waste in the country.
Dr Mpango said experience shows that cooperation is the best way to address plastic waste problem, as there are areas where the waste is disposed off in one area but ends up in other countries, particularly through water bodies such as sea.
The remarks were made yesterday during a meeting with a delegation from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Secretariat led by Director, Global Plastics Action Partnership, Clemence Schmid held at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma.
“Tanzania has continued to take various measures to address the problem such as banning the use of plastic bags and educating the public to change their behaviour regarding the improper disposal of plastic waste,’’ Dr Mpango said.
He welcomed WEF, through the International Cooperation on Plastic Pollution, to partner with Tanzania in various strategies to combat plastic waste pollution.
Dr Mpango noted that building capacity to experts, providing modern technology and equipment for plastic waste recycling, as well as financial support for projects is the best partnership that is currently needed as it aims at tackling plastic waste pollution.
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On her part, Ms Schmid, commended the Tanzania government for its efforts and genuine commitment to fighting plastic waste.
She said the delegation from the WEF Secretariat has witnessed Tanzania’s strong commitment to prioritising the prevention of environmental pollution, particularly plastic waste.
Schmid further said that the forum aims to form a partnership with the Tanzanian government with the main goal of eliminating plastic waste.
“Through this partnership, Tanzania is creating a conducive environment for engaging both national and international stakeholders in eliminating plastic waste from the country,” she said.
Ms Schmid identified the priorities in the partnership as addressing existing challenges, connecting stakeholders and determining how to utilise financial resources and investments in developing infrastructure that can economically recycle plastic waste.
