Gov’t Still Grappling to Get Rid of Non-Biodegradable Plastics

   

Illegally imported non-biodegradable plastics still widely used in packaging in Cameroon

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Cameroon Journal, Douala – Ever since the ban on the production, distribution, sale and use of non-biodegradable plastics on April 24, 2014, officials of the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development are still grappling to put an end to the use of light-weight plastics of less than 60 microns.
The Cameroon Journal found out that the ban plastics are still being illegally imported into Cameroon, especially from Nigeria and sold at a higher cost. The rampant sale and use of the plastic has not by any means suggested that the commodity is a prohibited product.
Considering the environmental impact and adverse effects of the non-biodegradable plastics on man, officials of the Littoral Regional Delegation of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, with backing from a Yaounde team, alongside members of the Littoral Control Mission Against Illegal Plastics and forces of law and order, launched a campaign to clamp down on the plastics sales. The campaign which began on January 4, is expected to end on January 10.
Authorities told reporters that their raids on plastic production factories and markets in the economic capital have already led to confiscation of about 10 metric tons of banned plastics in just two days of the operation.
Business people who spoke to reporters on the ground complained that the heavy-weight plastics of more than 60 microns are not available. Faulting the government for not providing a substitute, they said they are bound to go by the light-weight plastics in order to remain in business. However, authorities have denied the claim, stating that traders always prefer cheap plastics.
Going by the Sub-Director in charge of Management of Waste, Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals in the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, Lemnyuy Albun William Banye, “many cattle and sea animals have died after consuming the plastics. The plastics, which are difficult to collect and recycle, also cause soil infertility, thereby destroying biodiversity.”
Against the backdrop of continues circulation of the banned plastics, authorities say environment posts will be created in seaports and border posts to curb the rising tides.