DAR ES SALAAM, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Monday ordered the country's environment watchdog to stop delaying the issuance of environmental permits to investors wishing to build industries in the nation.
At the swearing-in ceremony of two ministers he appointed, Magufuli said investors should be allowed to proceed with their projects before the National Environment Management Council issues the permits.
"Delays in issuing environmental impact assessment permits were discouraging investors wishing to put up industries in the country," he said at the State House in the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam.
The president also expressed disappointment over a four-year delay on the implementation of a ban on the use of plastic carrier bags.
"The ban on the use of plastic carrier bags was imposed recently when I ordered relevant authorities to take action," he said.
Magufuli added that he was planning to meet livestock keepers across the country to discuss challenges that they were facing, as the country "has more than five million cattle."
On Sunday, Magufuli sacked January Makamba, minister of state in the Vice President's Office responsible for environment and union affairs.
George Simbachawene, the newly appointed environment minister, has served as minister of state in the President's Office responsible for regional administration and local governments.
