No More Time To Rid Plastic Bags, Vendors Told
The ban on single use plastic is now effective and a fine of up to $150,000 or a jail term of two years is the penalty for distributing single use plastic bags.
Friday 03 January 2020 | 11:50
Meena Shankar holds up the reusable bags she sells at her stall at the Lautoka Market on January 2, 2020.Photo: Salote Qalubau
Suva City market vendors were told no more time will be given for them to get rid of their single use plastic bags.
This follows a visit to the Suva Municipal Market by officers from the Government yesterday.
The ban on single use plastic is now effective and a fine of up to $150,000 or a jail term of two years is the penalty for distributing single use plastic bags.
Related stories
Earlier, Suva City Council and HFC Bank officers gave reusable bags for the vendors.
Market vendors said eco bags were expensive compared to normal plastic bags. A single eco bags costs around 30 cents whereas 1000 normal plastic bags cost $15.
Suva City Council Chairman Isikeli Tikoduadua said the council had been promoting the eco bags for the past three years with the women vendors.
Lautoka
Lautoka market vendor Meena Shankar believes the initiative will create cleaner cities and town.
“This is the first day I am using these bags by selling them for 50 cents and the best thing is you can wash them and use them again,” she said.
The cost of biodegradable bags was the only issue she highlighted.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Waterways and Environment will vigorously monitor compliance of the ban in usage of single use plastic bags by traders and consumers.
Edited by Ivamere Nataro
Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj
