NEMA to toughen polythene carrier bags (Kaveera) ban

NEMA to toughen polythene carrier bags (Kaveera) ban

National Environment Management Authority‬ (NEMA) Executive Director Dr. Tom Okurut has said polyethylene carrier bags are a nuisance to the country and the authority will not compromise about the law banning them. The Kaveera must go, he added today while a press conference in Kampala.

As you are aware, on 15th April 2015, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) resumed implementation of the ban of plastic carrier bags in line with the (Finance Act, 2009 and the enabling regulations of 2010).

NEMA boss Okurut addressing press at their offices today

NEMA boss Okurut addressing press at their offices today

Progress of implementation

This Authority wishes to thank the public for the overwhelming support for the ban of kaveera from our country. Specifically, I wish to thank the supermarkets and other outlets who have gone out of their way to seek for alternatives other than the use of plastic bags and this makes a milestone in addressing the problem of kaveera in the country.

The Authority has also gone ahead to impound more than 15000kgs of Kaveera from retailers, Distributors and manufacturers which we are going to destroy in the coming days.

Our approach of public awareness and public education through the mass media and community groups, together with enforcement has led to the public appreciating the need for the ban of plastic carrier bags as they are a danger to public health, the environment, animal husbandry, blockading drainage systems and all these have an impact on our economy.

On 9th February, the matter was heard and Yesterday February 25th 2016 a ruling was delivered by His Worship Ajiji Alex Mackay, Deputy Registrar, High Court, Civil Division. In his ruling, His Worship Ajiji observed and appreciated that; NEMA was an enforcement Agency and was mandated by the Finance Act 2009 to enforce the law on plastics.

The manufacturers can only produce permitted plastics as stipulated by law. His Worship stated that much as arbitrary closure was a threat, for the applicants to ask court to issue an interim injunction to restrain NEMA an enforcement agency from entering the factories to enforce the law was asking the courts too much as it is not possible to close out NEMA from its mandate of ensuring compliance. He ordered that in the interim, NEMA should enforce the law as is and not carryout closure of factories outside the existing law.

This affirms that the law remains in force and NEMA as mandated will continue to continue with the enforcement on the ban on the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of plastic carrier bags as stipulated in the Finance Act, 2009 and The Finance (Permitted Plastic Bags and other plastics for Exceptional Use), Regulations, 2010.

Clarification

NEMA does not carry out “Arbitrary” closures any facility. As guided by the law, NEMA has notified all stakeholder through all formats including the mass media and written notices about the implementation of the ban.

NEMA, as guided by the law is enforcing the ban on only Plastic carrier bags and not on those manufacturing what is exempted by the law.

NEMA also encourages the public to continue embracing alternatives and calls upon the wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers to abide by the law and stop manufacture, sale, distribution and use of the banned products. If in doubt, they should consult to avoid inconveniences.

CATEGORIES
TAGS
Share This
Verified by MonsterInsights