Environment Council given 30 days to issue certificates to 500 applicants

Deputy Minister Vice President's Office-Union and Environment, Luhaga Mpina

The government has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) to present Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificates to more than 500 stalled investment projects.

Briefing reporters yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Deputy Minister Vice President's Office-Union and Environment, Luhaga Mpina said at least 512 investment projects are stalled by the delayed EIA reports, which he said according to the National Environmental Management Act 2004 should be issued within 60 days of the application.

“Now it takes almost one year for an investor to get their EIA certificate, the situation has cost the government numerous potential investors,” he said. 

“There is no viable reason for the delay...the council must now ensure it provides the service within 60 days in accordance to the law,” he ordered.

“Many foreign investors have decided to stop investing in Tanzania and this is due to ongoing tendency by government officials failing to do their jobs as required,” he noted.

According to him, in an Easy of Doing Business 2015 report published by World Bank, Tanzania ranks near the bottom (146 of 186) of list of countries with a friendly investment condition.
Meanwhile, Mpina also instructed NEMC director general Boniventure Baya to identify and submit clauses in the National Environmental management Act of 2004 that should be amended to make investment easier.

“I want them to present their recommendations so that we can start reviewing the Act,” he said.

In addition, Mpina also directed the NEMC management to come up with new charges that comply with the current situation saying that investors have been paying small amounts of fines compared to the offense.

On his part, NEMC director general Boniventure Baya said the meeting was held to bring together leaders of the council and the deputy minister to see how they can improve their performance.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN