06 Jun 2018

Stakeholders have been urged to play their role in promoting the ban of non-recyclable plastic bags.

Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Thabang Botshoma made the call following government’s decision to prohibit the use of plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags through the Waste Management Regulations, which shall effect on November 1, 2018. 

Speaking at the commemoration of the World Environment Day in Jwaneng on Tuesday, Mr Botshoma underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach for the regulations to be effective. He urged everybody to play their role in ensuring that such plastic bags cease to be used.

“I wish to emphasise that the initiative to ban single-use plastic calls for the involvement of each and every one of us, be it government, private sector, civil society or the media. 

Information dissemination on the impact of plastic pollution on the environment is key, hence I call upon the media houses to play a leading role in this endeavour than ever before,” he said.

Mr Botshoma said the decision to prohibit the use of plastic bags was made after realising that the adverse effects  outweighed the advantages. 

He said inappropriate disposal of plastic bags had left the environment in a bad state and is also a health hazard to livestock. 

This, he noted, could also negatively impact on the tourism sector.

Mr Botshoma said the theme for this year; ‘Beat Plastic  Pollution’ came at an opportune time for Botswana and the world at large to explore sustainable alternatives, while also reducing the use of non-recyclable plastic bags.

“The theme urges governments, industries, communities and individuals to come together and explore sustainable alternatives and urgently reduce the production and excessive use of single-use plastic bags that pollute the environment and threaten human health,” he said. 

Member of Parliament for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile challenged the youth to take advantage of the new regulations by coming up with business ideas to offer a better alternative. 

He said in this era of high unemployment rates, young people should embrace such opportunities and be innovative so that they can sustain themselves and hire others.

“I also urge you to extensively market your businesses by making use of social media to reach a wider market. 

By so doing consumers will eventually realise there won’t be any more use of plastics and they will start using your products,” he said. ENDS