BY VARAIDZO MUDEWAIRI THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Norwegian Retailers Association (NRA) have embarked on a single use plastic waste management project as the country moves towards banning their use.

In 2021, the government announced plans to phase out plastic carrier bags by December 2022 to reduce plastic pollution.

EMA spokesperson Amkela Sidange told 0in an interview that her organisation was working with several stakeholders, including the NRA to minimise use of plastics.

“EMA, in conjunction with key stakeholders is implementing a project titled Strengthening knowledge and capacity to prevent   and reduce releases of plastic waste in Zimbabwe,” Sidange said.

“The project is being implemented under the auspices   of the Basel and Stockholm conventions as well as the Norwegian retailer’s fund. And one of the thematic areas is prevention and minimisation of plastic waste.”

Globally, over 40 countries that have banned, partly banned or taxed single use plastic bags include China, France, Rwanda, Kenya and Italy.

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In 2017, Kenya imposed the world’s toughest law against plastic bags. Kenyans producing, selling or even using plastic bags risk imprisonment for up to four years or fines of US$40,000.

“The project has also set target on the fishery sector  trying to discourage  use of plastic fishing nets  which have a high likelihood  to pollute our waters  thus affecting aquatic life, general access to clean water and  at the moment  a pilot has been set up the Gachegache fishers areas in Kariba  where plastic nets are being collected  from the shores of Kariba dam  using a buy back approach  and the nets taken for recycling,” Sidange added.

Plastic carrier bags take years to decompose and end up as deadly waste in landfills and water bodies.

They also harm animals with toxic debris, damaging the ecosystem.

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