By Daily News Reporter in Dodoma
THE
Permanent Secretary in the Vice- President's Office (Union Affairs and
Environment), Engineer Joseph Malongo has expressed satisfaction over
the implementation by retailers and wholesalers in
downtown Dodoma, of
the ban on the use of plastic carrier bags commonly known as 'Rambo'.
Speaking shortly
after an inspection conducted here over the weekend, Eng Malongo, said
in addition to the gesture by most traders in the city, members of the
public has started switching to alternative bags.
"I am satisfied
with the positive response of most traders and residents here to observe
the ban of plastic bags use," the PS said during a media briefing
session.
The government
introduced the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution and use
of plastic carrier bags beginning June 1. However, the ban doesn't
cover plastic bags used for packaging food products such as bread and
milk.
According to Eng
Malongo, the government will conduct a sustainable crackdown against
traders still supplying plastic bags and that those found with
consignments of the items will face the wrath of the law.
"There are some
complaints over shortage of alternative bags. But, the government is
determined to encourage importation and manufacture of alternative
bags," said the Permanent Secretary.
On his part, Dodoma
District Commissioner, Patrobas Katambi said the positive response of
the plastic bags use ban was an outcome of a vigorous campaign to raise
awareness on the ban through various media.
He said the
authorities in Dodoma will have zero tolerance on people who would defy
the ban, pointing out that it was unlawful for a motorbike taxi
(bodaboda) rider or commuter bus to carry a passenger with a plastic
bag.
"Drivers of
commuter buses or operators of bodaboda who would be found carrying
passengers having plastic bags will be in trouble," he said.
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