Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel says the government remains committed to strengthening the legislative framework governing waste management, pollution prevention and environmental protection.

This follows IPC MP Rodrick Likando's request for the government to provide details on its plans to implement stronger penalties against pollution and illegal dumping.

Daniel stated the ministry is currently in the process of developing specific waste management regulations under the Environmental Management Act of 2007.

"The new regulation being developed will provide a more comprehensive framework for waste management by strengthening provisions relating to littering, illegal dumping, and waste management or waste collection, transportation, recycling, treatment, and disposal, while also introducing more effective punitive measures, compliance, and enforcement of these measures."

She further stated that the ministry has concluded with stakeholders' consultation on the first draft of waste management regulations, which involve key government institutions, regional councillors and local authorities, to ensure that the regulations are practical, inclusive and implementable.

"Compliance will be monitored through a collaborative approach involving environmental officers, regional councils, local authorities, and other relevant enforcement agencies. Public awareness programmes, inspections, and compliance monitoring will complement the enforcement activities to ensure effective implementation throughout the country."

She added that these regulations will also support the implementation of NDP-6, which identifies waste management as one of the national development priorities aimed at promoting sustainable production and consumption, resource efficiency, waste minimisation, recycling and green economy growth.