Zambia news: Kabwe Municipal Council insists citizens to follow ban on plastic carrier bags

The Statutory Instrument (SI) number 65 of 2018, which prohibits the utilization of plastics carrier bags and other plastic related products below 30 microns in thickness, is highly welcomed and extolled by Kabwe Municipal Council in Kabwe, the capital of the Zambian Central Province.

According to Paul Mukuka, Director of Public Health, Kabwe Municipal Council, the regulation states that only plastic bags above 30 microns will be allowed in commercial outlets and business houses because of durability and can be recycled, Lusaka Times reported.

He also said to ZANIS on December 20 that any other plastic that comes below won't be allowed because they can't be recycled and are toxic to the environment. However, according to Mukuka, since some commercial stores still have these plastics in abundance that are below 30 microns, at an appropriate time will no longer be allowed and their possession will be prohibited forthwith.

He emphasized that this move is intended at strengthening the ongoing campaign titled 'Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy'. Whereas, this will bring a new way of leading life for every citizen by shunning purchasing food stuffs from vendors as it poses health risky.

On the other hand, the SI will further dwindle the cost of service delivery as the local authority spends huge amount of money to clear the blocked drainage especially during the rainy season. He also summoned every citizen to support the SI for municipality to achieve the clean, green and healthy status in line with the national policy direction.

He also warned that anyone found throwing litter indiscriminately will be apprehended and prosecuted to deter other would be culprits.