VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi (pictured) has expressed the government’s commitment to granting the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) full regulatory authority, saying there are no obstacles to the proposal.
He said the current administration presents the best opportunity to realise the long-standing proposal, noting that President Samia Suluhu Hassan previously served as the minister responsible for the environment, while he himself is a former NEMC officer.
He made the remarks yesterday in Dar es Salaam after receiving NEMC’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2031), which is aligned with the council’s mandate and the National Development Vision 2050.
Dr Nchimbi urged NEMC staff to perform their duties with professionalism and integrity, warning against corruption, which he said could delay the implementation of major national development projects.
He also called on employees to strengthen teamwork, foster unity and maintain harmonious working relationships. Congratulating NEMC on its 40th anniversary, Dr Nchimbi said the institution remains vital to the country’s sustainable development and environmental protection efforts.
Commenting on the strategic plan, he said it is aligned with the National Development Vision 2050, the ministry’s priorities and the ruling CCM Election Manifesto.
He noted that the plan places strong emphasis on integrity, effective waste management and waste control, describing the sector as critical for transforming waste into economic opportunities and raw materials.
“We can introduce annual awards for the cleanest local authorities, while recognising those that need improvement. Similar awards for outstanding tree-planting initiatives would encourage environmental conservation because no one wants to be known for poor sanitation,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi also identified clean energy as another strategic priority, urging NEMC to strengthen oversight of its implementation, noting that President Samia has personally championed the agenda. He further called for wider use of technology to improve environmental management.
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On corruption, he stressed the need to strengthen integrity in the environmental impact assessment certification process, to prevent delays to major investment projects caused by a few dishonest officials.
“NEMC has been doing commendable work, but we must always put the country’s interests ahead of our own. Allegations of corruption involving a few employees undermine the institution’s good work and concern us all,” he said.
He further urged employees to uphold professionalism, cooperation and mutual respect. “Work together as one team, support one another in fulfilling your responsibilities and always put the nation’s interests first. Avoid conflicts, hatred and false accusations against colleagues. Let integrity guide both your actions and your character,” he said.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr Richard Muyungi, said implementation of the National Development Vision 2050 officially began on Wednesday, with the goal of achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy and increasing the average life expectancy of Tanzanians to 75 years.
“A clean and enabling environment will be key to achieving these goals by addressing environmental degradation and the effects of climate change while building a resilient economy,” Dr Muyungi said.
He also underscored the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence, helicopters and other modern technologies in environmental conservation to help achieve the council’s objectives.
NEMC Board Chairperson Mwanasha Tumbo said Dr Nchimbi’s visit demonstrates the sixth phase government’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and pledged that the council would continue executing its mandate with professionalism for the benefit of the nation.
NEMC Director General Dr Immaculate Semesi said the council has continued to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the law and established procedures, adding that its Five-Year Strategic Plan is fully aligned with the National Development Vision 2050.