GOVT TOTALLY BANS ALL SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS

MBABANE – Government has effected a total ban on all single-use plastic carrier bags.

This measure is effectively from December 1, this year. The announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, during a press conference held at her offices yesterday. Simelane said, under the terms of the ban, all retailers, supermarkets, manufacturers and vendors would be prohibited from selling or providing for free single-use plastic shopping bags to customers. This encompasses bags made from traditional plastic materials, including polyethylene and polypropylene, regardless of thickness. She said this marked a significant step towards eliminating plastic pollution and safeguarding the planet for future generations, including positioning of the Kingdom of Eswatini as a tourism destination of choice in Southern Africa.

Powers

“In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 89 of the Environmental Management Act, 2002, the minister of tourism and environment affairs through Legal Notice No. 155 of May 21,  2021, published the Control of Plastic Bags Regulations to regulate the production, importation and use of plastic bags; promote the reuse, recycling, and safe handling of plastic bags; and ultimately ban production, importation and use of plastic bags in Eswatini. Pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Control of Plastic Bags Regulations, 2021 and a landmark decision aimed at combating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices, His Majesty’s government today announces a total ban on all single-use plastic carrier bags. This measure effective December 1, 2024 from the issuance of a Government gazette,” Simelane said.

According to Simelane, the period between now and November will allow the manufacturers to bring in new innovations as they evolve to environmentally friendly products. She explained that single-use plastic bags have long been a symbol of environmental harm in the country, clogging waterways, endangering livestock, and contributing to the global plastic crisis. The minister stated that global research has confirmed that microplastics were one of the leading causes of some of the emerging health risks such, as carcinogenicity and endocrine disruption in humans.

Adding, Simelane said recognising the urgent need for action, government has undertaken comprehensive deliberations and consultations with stakeholders to inform this decisive policy action.  She went on to state that the ban aligns with their commitment to environmental stewardship and underscores their responsibility, to adopt sustainable practices in every facet of society for a low carbon economy. “To ensure a smooth transition and widespread compliance, government will engage in public awareness campaigns, provide support to businesses for transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives, including encouraging research and development on locally produced none-plastic alternatives,” she said.

Problematic

Simelane mentioned that the country was also aware that plastic carrier bags were not the only problematic single use plastic products, thus  it was  for this reason that the ministry had drawn a 12-month road-map, to phase out all Styrofoam, also known as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) products. “Necessary considerations will also be taken to come up with a private sector driven Extended Producer Responsibility framework for all other packaging products to ensure producers are responsible for the end of life waste management of their products,” Simelane stated. Furthermore, Simelane encouraged consumers to embrace reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, paper bags, or durable tote bags. She also called upon all citizens, businesses, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies to join hands in this collective effort. “Together, we can make a tangible difference in preserving the beauty and integrity of our country for generations to come,” she said.

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