Shisha smoking ban in Tanzania

The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, has banned shisha smoking in the country, according to a story in the Tanzania Daily News.

He has apparently asked clerics, parents and all community leaders ‘to fight against dealers and smokers’.

The prime minister’s order came as Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Paul Makonda, on Monday declared war against dealers of ‘tobacco-laced shisha’ in the country’s business capital, insisting that all the establishments that sell shisha should be closed by Monday (presumably July 11).

Majaliwa said the consumption of shisha eroded the morals of young people and led them to indulge in ‘all sorts of vices’.

“The statement by Mr Makonda came as a government directive,” said Majaliwa.

“Therefore, all regional leaders, including mayors and district commissioners should implement that directive with immediate effect.”

Majaliwa warned that stern action would be taken against those who defied the order, but added that both parents and government leaders were capable of dealing with the problem.

According to the Daily News story, the prime minister said the use of shisha was ‘killing the future generation of the country by wreaking havoc on the mental health of the young people’.

On July 4, the regional commissioner issued a warning to shisha marketers after swearing in four district commissioners.

He directed the district commissioners to ensure that they acted against all dealers that defied his order.

He said the move was aimed at helping young people, who were the ones largely being affected.