15 Dec 2024

Parliament has adopted a motion calling on government to gradually ban the use of all non-essential plastics to safeguard the environment.

The motion proposed by Selebi Phikwe East MP, Mr Kgoberego Nkawana was accepted by Members of Parliament on Friday, after an amendment from Mahalapye East MP, Mr Augustine Nyatanga to include the word ‘gradual’.

The initial motion by Mr Nkawana requested government to consider banning the importation and use of all non-essential plastic in view of environmental contamination caused by unsafe disposal of plastic material.

When tabling the motion, the MP said plastics posed a serious problem if not properly managed because they contaminated the environment and were a health hazard to animals since they were non-biodegradable.

Mr Nkawana advocated for the use of the environmentally friendly and biodegradable paper bags.

He said in the past, government introduced plastic levy in an effort to curb their usage, an effort which he said did not bear much fruits.

Mr Nkawana said the money accrued from the levy was to be used to mitigate the effects of plastic contamination to the environment, but that has not happened.

In his debate, Mr Nyatanga supported the motion, saying plastics affected the quality and fertility of the soil, hence affecting food production and water quality.

He said the legislators had a duty to care for the environment and lead in protecting the welfare of the people, hence moved an amendment to have the ban done gradually so as to safeguard the interest of those employed and invested in the plastic industry.    

Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile supported the motion, saying the environment needed attention. 

He said plastics contaminated rivers, which were a source of livelihoods for people along the banks.

As such, he said there was a need to act on the issue of plastic contamination, adding that there was a need for a different strategy to deal with waste management in general.

Mr Kekgonegile said it would help to start paying individual community members for litter collection and disposal because doing so would also help in job creation.

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi agreed with the motion that plastics posed a serious harm to the environment and that the government too was aware of their harmful effects.

He said plastics were indigestible when consumed by animals, blocked waterways and drainage systems, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and contributing to flooding.

Mr Mmolotsi further stated that plastic proliferation in the environment was difficult to manage and affected the aesthetic quality of habitats.

However, he said the country was not yet ready to impose a total ban on the importation and use of plastics, whether single-use or not, and would prefer a gradual phase-out approach to allow for the transition to alternative options.

Mr Mmolotsi said there were ongoing negotiations on the development of the Global Plastic Treaty, whose main aim was to combat plastic pollution.

He said the instrument was to be based on a comprehensive approach that addressed the full life cycle of plastics - from design to environmentally sound waste management through efficiency and circular economy approaches, adding that the country was party to the treaty that was expected to be ratified in 2025.

After its debate and approval, Mr Nkawana thanked fellow MPs for supporting the motion.  ENDS