DODOMA: THE National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has proposed legal reforms to transform it into a fully-fledged National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in a move aimed at strengthening environmental regulation while promoting investment and sustainable economic growth.
The proposals were presented to two parliamentary standing committees in Dodoma on Wednesday. Discussions focused on solid waste management, economic opportunities arising from waste, and amendments to laws governing environmental protection.
The meeting brought together the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Constitution and Legal Affairs, and Water and Environment, to explore ways to improve waste management, protect public health and the environment, and promote recycling and waste processing as sources of economic opportunity.
Speaking after the meeting, NEMC Director General, Dr Immaculate Semesi, said the proposed legal changes were intended to align the institution with the country’s Development Vision 2050 by strengthening environmental management while creating a conducive environment for business and investment.
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“The proposed reforms seek to strengthen our capacity to manage environmental issues while enabling business and investment to contribute to sustainable, environmentally friendly economic growth,” Dr Semesi said.
She said the changes would include renaming NEMC as NEMA and strengthening the law to enable the institution to facilitate investment rather than become an obstacle to investors seeking to comply with environmental requirements.
Dr Semesi said the proposed reforms would also simplify procedures for businesses and investors, including processes for meeting statutory requirements and obtaining the necessary permits, without compromising environmental protection.
The discussions also examined how solid waste could be treated as an economic resource through recycling and processing, rather than being viewed solely as a disposal challenge.
Improved waste management could contribute to a cleaner environment and better public health while creating opportunities for businesses involved in waste recovery and recycling.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office responsible for Environment, Reuben Kwagilwa, members of the two committees and NEMC management.
It was chaired by John Kiswaga, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment.
Legislators and NEMC officials discussed proposals to improve the country’s environmental management framework in line with public health, investment and sustainable development priorities.