The government has issued a stern warning to Garissa traders and residents using plastic bags.
The bags, which are deemed dangerous to the environment, are still in circulation despite their ban in 2017.
Acting county commissioner Sabastian Okiring said plastic bags continue to harm the environment and the law banning them should be fully enforced.
‘These plastic bags and bottles are really choking us. They have locked all drainages and sewage systems. As we stand here today, Garissa Town is flooding with sewer water,” he said.
Okoring said shopkeepers, miraa sellers and mama mbogas as the biggest contributors to the problem.
“My warning to the traders who are still using these plastic bags is to stop. You know very well the government banned these products. When the law catches up with you don’t start lamenting because it is a problem you have brought to yourself,” he said
He urged relevant agencies to unclog sewer lines, noting that continued flow will likely trigger an outbreak of cholera and other viral diseases.
Abdikadir Aden, an environmentalists and founder of a million tress initiative, also expressed his concern over the increase of plastic bags, which are also harming the environment.
“We all know environmental repercussions of plastic bags are profound. Scientists have told us how they are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for up to 100 years,” he said.
“People in Garissa are still not disposing waste properly and this has time and again led to clogged drainage systems, contributing to flooding and spread of waterborne diseases. Surely as a society we need to change and do things well,” he said.
Hassan Affey said it is important that community sensitisation programmes are conducted to educate residents on the environmental hazards of plastic bags and promote use of alternatives.
Northeastern regional director of environment Patricia Mumbi issued a clarion call to all residents, noting that each and everyone has the responsibility of protecting the environment.
She said Nema has rolled out regulations seeking to ensure a sustainable environment by fighting challenges such as pollution, climate change and bio-diversity loss.
Mumbi said contrary to the perception that the authority has been unable to completely enforce the 2017 regulations on plastic bags, several people, among them distributors have been arrested and taken to court.
“The truth is we have been able to implement the law and strict action has been taken against the violators. We will remain steadfast in dispensing our duties. But then again we want the support of wananchi. Everyone must be brought on board if we are to succeed,” she said.
Two weeks ago, Garissa county commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo expressed his concern over the increase of the use of plastic bags in the town stressing the need for enforcement and public cooperation to eliminate them.
by STEPHEN ASTARIKO
