Environment Minister warns against bus passengers who litter

Dodoma. The deputy minister for State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Mussa Sima, has ordered owners and operators of buses to ensure that their passengers do not litter.

Speaking during his tour of the Kongwa National Ranch over the weekend, Mr Sima, said many animals in the ranch have died as a result of littering mainly by bus passengers. “I have decided to visit this area purposely to see the magnitude of environmental pollution and related impacts,” he said, warning that the culprits will face stern action.

Mr Sima issued the directives after he witnessed the magnitude of pollution by motorists along the Dodoma-Dar es Salaam highway.

“We are well prepared and we will make sure that our environment is protected. We will try hard to provide education to the public on the importance of keeping our environment unpolluted,” he said.

The deputy minister also warned bus operators from making stops in the wild and allow their passengers relieve themselves, saying stern measures will be taken against them.

In another development, Mr Sima ordered the ranch manager, Mr Ezibius Mutabarwa, to submit a tree planting plan at his office because the area seems largely deforested. Mr Mutabarwa thanked the minister for the tour, promising to work on the directives as soon as possible