TTB warns public against plastic waste disposal in water sources

Rosada Msoma. Photo File

What you need to know:

  • The call was made by Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), who in collaboration with other stakeholders, have started an initiative aimed at supporting President John Magufuli’s call to conserve the environment by cleaning beaches in the country with the aim of attracting both local and foreign tourists.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanians have been urged to stop throwing dirt, especially plastic bottles, in water sources as they are later washed ashore, littering beaches and scaring away tourists.

The call was made by Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), who in collaboration with other stakeholders, have started an initiative aimed at supporting President John Magufuli’s call to conserve the environment by cleaning beaches in the country with the aim of attracting both local and foreign tourists.

Rosada Msoma from the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Department Of Tourism License and Control, said the initiative will be sustainable starting with Ramada Resort Beach in collaboration with the local government.

She said, the tourism policy of 1999 which clearly states that there is a need to expand the scope of all tourist products, including ensuring all beaches are cleaned to promote wildlife safaris as well as cultural tourism.

"When the beaches are clean, they will attract tourists from all walks of life as well as promote local people who have businesses around the areas," she said.

For his part, TTB director of Marketing Ernest Mwamaja said most beaches were currently dirty mostly as a result of used bottles being washed from water sources.

He noted that the public needed to be made aware of their impact, especially currently when the country was receiving 1.3 million tourists with the aim to increase the number to 2 million by 2020.

"There is a need to create awareness amongst the public, on the importance of safeguarding the environment on our beaches to attract more tourists," he said.

Meanwhile, Ramada Resort director of Marketing Bharath Swarup said they were happy to be involved in the initiative.

He noted that through the beaches, the government could get revenues from both local and foreign tourists.

His sentiment was shared by Kilogawima chairman Paul Richard.