THE government is set to review the Solid Waste Management (Regulations) of 2009 to compel producers of plastic bottles to closely manage their wastes, to protect the environment.

Dr Selemani Jafo, the Union and Environment state minister in the Vice President’s Office (VPO) made this declaration at a meeting with stakeholders who produce products packed in plastic bottles or packaging. 

The meeting explored usable approaches to tackling the problem, for sustainable management of environmental pollution against overflow of the bottles in various environments, taking place in Dodoma on Wednesday.

A VPO statement said yesterday that the minister instructed the permanent secretary to bring together ministerial experts and the relevant stakeholders to see how to improve the regulations before this financial year ends.

The first draft is expected to be completed by late next week, with stakeholders presenting their views, he said, noting that the decision follows detailed discussion between the various parties.

The discussion has increased the momentum of reviewing the regulations, he stated, emphasizing that what was discussed is in the broad interest of the government and the stakeholders.

In the wake of what was contributed by the stakeholders, the ministry is going to make regulations obliging every producer to realize that the collection of plastic bottles is necessary rather than voluntary, he stated.

Once the regulations are completed, the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) will be tasked with putting them to application, “by taking action against anyone whose bottle is seen littering the streets.”

“Despite this, the government recognizes the good intentions of investment from various stakeholders who are promoting the country's economy, but that investment should be compatible with environmental protection,’ he reiterated.

Christina Mndeme, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Environment) appreciated Environmental cleanliness is something that attracts tourists and help improve the country's income, he stated, while Abdallah Hassan Mitawi,  the deputy permanent secretary (Union) said that the session translates into action the 4Rs philosophy of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Issues decided in the meeting with plastic bottles users are meant to conduct business while the environment is well managed, he said, referring to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 6) in Dar es Salaam early last month.

The plastic bottles issue was among the conference agenda and is one among national issues that the minister is putting into effect, he added.