18 Feb 2019

 Several MPs who debated the motion calling on government to reconsider the decision to stop the use of plastic bags have described the non-collection of money used by consumers to purchase plastic bags as a lost opportunity that could have been used to raise the much-needed revenue.

The motion by Gaborone North MP, Mr Haskins Nkaigwa called on the government to reconsider its decision to stop the use of plastic bags, and to come up with a policy for the collection of the plastic levy.

Debating the motion on February 15, Gabane/Mmankgodi MP, Major General Pius Mokgware noted that had the money been collected into a levy, it would have benefited Batswana as the government would have used it to advance developments.

The lawmaker also said that the environmental sector had the potential to create jobs, arguing that if government had collected the money spent by consumers on plastic bags, it would be using the funds to develop the sector to help in job creation.

Maj. Gen. Mokgware said it was sad that while plastic bags were a menace to the environment, Batswana were not benefitting from their proceeds and that only retailers benefitted from the sales.

Supporting the motion, MP Polson Majaga of Nata/Gweta concurred that the nation was not benefitting from the sale of plastic bags.

He said just like it was the case with alcohol, there should be a levy into which money from the sale of plastic bags was collected.

Describing the motion as good and timely, Mochudi West MP, Mr Gilbert Mangole said plastics contributed to environmental degradation.

He appealed to government to put in place a policy that would guide the collection of money accrued from the sale of plastic bags, which funds, he said, would be used to rehabilitate and care for the environment.

Mr Mangole also pointed out that in identifying an environmentally friendly way of using plastic bags, it was also critical that stakeholders considered coming up with biodegradable plastics.

The legislator also expressed discontent at what he termed endless consultations by government.

He said the government should give timelines as to when consultations on particular matters would be concluded.

Jwaneng/Mabutsane legislator, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile also shared the sentiments that the environmental sector could create countless jobs.

He said it was disappointing that the budget for the 2019/20 financial year did not mention the sector.

Mr Ntlhaile, like other MPs, also pointed out that the government had failed Batswana by allowing business entities to collect money from them through the sale of plastic bags, but not to the benefit of the nation.

He said the government had failed to protect the interests of Batswana, but had instead helped business entities maximise profits.

The MP for Mochudi East, Mr Moagi Molebatsi said if in place, the plastic levy could have helped in addressing environmental pollution.

Mr Molebatsi, who said Botswana had no firms to produce its own goods or even recycle, observed that the country only had malls, which he said was an indication that it was a nation of consumers.

Debating the motion, Specially Elected MP and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Kitso Mokaila said the government had already re-considered its position on the matter hence it had since withdrawn the ban on the use of plastic bags.

He said the withdrawal of the ban was to allow government to carry out consultations with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, plastic manufacturers and other stakeholders. ENDS