Uganda government halts ban on polythene bags

0

The Ugandan government on Wednesday suspended the ban on the manufacture and use of polythene bags, commonly known as kaveera or buveera in the East African country.
Prime Minister Rukahana Rugunda in a statement issued here said the suspension follows an agreement reached by government, Uganda Manufactures Association (UMA) and Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) on April 14.
The parties agreed to carry out more research and find alternatives for the over 14 companies manufacturing polythene bags.
The country’s environment watchdog agency, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) had issued a public notice to start enforcing the ban on the production and use of polythene bags in Uganda on April 15.
“NEMA issued a public notice that with effect from April 15, 2015, the ban on the use of buveera (polythene bags) which had been imposed in the 2009/10 national budget would be implemented,” said Rugunda.
“….I was approached by representatives of UMA and KACITA who met me today (Tuesday) April 14 2015. They raised concern about this ban which was meant to take effect on April 15, 2015. I advised them that the ban would be postponed while discussions with relevant ministries and other stakeholders are being finalized,” he said
There have been divided opinions in the country following the government’s proposal to prohibit and impose a total ban on the manufacture and importation of plastic bags, second hand refrigerators and computers.
NEMA says the “the economic, health and social costs of the continued use of polythene bags outweighs the economic benefits derived from the production of bags and its cost is reflected in the increasing cost of malaria, reduced agricultural productivity and infrastructure repairs.”
Approximately 39,600 tonnes of polythene waste is released into the environment and most of it accumulates in the soil each year in Uganda,according to the environmental watchdog. Enditem

Source: Xinhua

Send your news stories to [email protected] Follow News Ghana on Google News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here