DODOMA: MINISTER of State in the Vice President’s Office, Eng Hamad Masauni has pledged to prioritise the enforcement of the plastic bag ban and the management of carbon trading to further strengthen environmental conservation efforts in the country.
Eng Msauni was speaking during a handover ceremony, as he took office from his predecessor, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
He insisted that the government issued specific directives in 2019 to ban plastic bags and his office would now intensify efforts to ensure the implementation of the ban to safeguard public health, protect wildlife and preserve the environment.
“We will work closely with the management to accelerate the enforcement of the plastic bag ban, manage carbon trading effectively and oversee the issuance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificates to achieve our goals,” said Eng Masauni.
He further reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the management team and staff at all levels to fulfill the office’s responsibilities, ensuring that the Union and Environmental Conservation sectors serve the public effectively.
“I am dedicated to working diligently, intelligently and tirelessly alongside the management and staff to realise the exceptional and relevant services to citizens,” he added.
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Meanwhile in her farewell speech, Dr Kijaji highlighted environmental conservation as a critical global issue that continues to benefit Tanzania, particularly with regard to carbon trading, which is coordinated by the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC) under the Vice President’s Office.
“Currently, 63 companies are registered with the NCMC. Carbon trading remains a largely untapped, highly profitable opportunity within the environmental conservation sector and it requires careful attention to ensure that our communities benefit,” said Dr Kijaji.
She also expressed her gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Vice President’s Office management for their collaboration during her tenure.
“I am deeply grateful to President Samia and the management team for their support and for the impactful work we accomplished together,” Dr Kijaji said.
Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, Eng Cyprian Luhemeja applauded Dr Kijaji’s effective leadership, which resulted in significant progress in Union matters and environmental conservation, particularly the registration of 63 companies in carbon trading through the NCMC.
“We are grateful for your leadership. During your tenure, we made significant strides, including registering 63 companies in carbon trading. We aim to expand this number to 100 companies by March 2025,” said Eng Luhemeja.
