IMPROMPTU inspection of factories will be taking place in a regular way to check the manufacturing and distribution of banned plastic carriers, the government has stated.

Hamad Yusuf Masauni, the Union and Environment state minister in the Vice President's Office (VPO), issued this affirmation in a statement here yesterday, ahead of the World Environment Day on June 5, next week.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to make a nationwide televised address at the climax of World Environment Day, whose theme this year is ‘Next Tanzania, Let’s be responsible now; control plastics use.’

Intent to institute inspections is related to challenges of using plastic packaging materials that do not meet requirements set by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the statement indicated.

The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) was tasked to liaise with various public agencies, including local government authorities, in monitoring and identifying violators of the law by producing banned plastic products, it said.

The minister reminded Tanzanians to adhere to government instructions to abandon plastic bags and use alternative bags “available throughout the country at affordable prices.”

Despite challenges, Tanzania has made significant progress in controlling plastic wastes after banning the production, import, distribution and use of plastic bags from June 2019.

Hailing the ban as a move that helped reduce environmental pollution, the minister affirmed that the ban is in line with public education efforts on controlling pollution, It is also consonant with the participation of the private sector in the production of alternative bags that are friendly to the environment, he stated.

World Environment Day will be marked with an exhibition of stakeholders' products, services and innovations on environmental conservation from June 1 to 5, 2025 in the capital, the statement indicated. A youth conference bringing together college students, entrepreneurs and environmental ambassadors will similarly be held, it added.