Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) says it will embark on a massive sensitization programme in townships to engage shop owners and members of the public on the extended producer responsibility regulation banning the use of non-complaint plastic bags.
ZEMA Corporate Affairs Manager Ireen Chipili says chain stores are so far complaint with the new regulation, but notes that the challenge will be with shops in townships.
Mrs. Chipili has however, stated that the regulatory body will enforce the new regulation from the manufacturers point as a way of ensuring compliance even from those shop owners in the townships.
meanwhile Mrs. Chipili has encouraged consumers to adopt and get used to the practice of carrying reusable shopping bags whenever they are going for shopping with the new regulation that is now in place.
she has also encouraged shop owners especially supermarkets to raise awareness and take an extra mile to explain to the customers before making them buy the complaint carrier bags.
the new regulation that has banned the use of non complaint carrier bags came into force on 14th February 2019, but some shops have been given an extension of one month to clear the old stocks of the non complaint plastic bags.