Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, has banned shisha smoking in the country, asking clerics, parents and all leaders to fight against dealers and smokers.
The PM’s order came as Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC) Paul Makonda declared war against dealers of tobacco-laced shisha in the country’s business capital, insisting that all the joints that sell shisha should be closed by next Monday.
Shisha is molasses-based tobacco concoction smoked in a water pipe known as ‘hookah’ and Mr Majaliwa said the consumption of shisha resulted into temptation to indulge in all sorts of vices and eroding morals among the youth.
“The statement by Mr Makonda came as a government directive. Therefore, all regional leaders, including mayors and district commissioners (DCs) should implement that directive with immediate effect,” he added.
The Premier issued the directive at the Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri Mosque along Indira Gandhi Street in Dar es Salaam during a special Iftar hosted by the Ithnaasheri Community, which was attended by various religious leaders.
