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Garissa residents warned against use of plastic bags

Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo and other officials participate in tree-planting to mark the International Day of Forests on March 21, 2024. Photo: Issa Hussein

By Issa Hussein | 21 Mar 2024

Despite the government's ban on the use of plastic bags, Garissa County residents continue to use them.

Garissa County residents have been cautioned against using and importing plastic bags for commercial and home packaging.

Garissa County Commissioner, Mohamed Mwabudzo who was speaking during the celebration of the International Day of Forests at Garissa High School, said despite the government's ban on the use of plastic bags, the residents continue to use them.

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"We will enforce the ban and we are taking stern action against the use and importation of plastic bags in Garissa County", Mohamed said.

He has instructed the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and other law enforcement agencies to implement the government ban and avert further environmental destruction.

Mohamed has further called upon the residents to join the government's efforts in conserving forests as mitigation against risks of climate change.

Elphus Wesonga, the county forest conservator said Garissa has a forest cover of 11.6 per cent with a tree cover of 12.6 per cent.

He stated that unless more was done, Garissa would risk losing its tree cover by seven per cent if the plans against the evasive Mathenge tree to turn it into fortune were implemented.

Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo and other officials participate in tree-planting to mark the International Day of Forests on March 21, 2024, at the Garissa High School. Photo: Issa Hussein

Wesonga cited the lack of water as the main challenge in raising the seedlings in Garissa due to harsh climatic conditions.

"We are encountering resistance from the community when enforcing the law on charcoal. They will never allow their people to be arrested for illegal charcoal production," he claimed.

The Garissa County Executive Member for Water and Environment Ahmed Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of increasing forest cover in Garissa County.

"We are facing extreme climatical shocks that can only be addressed through forest cover", said Ahmed.

The County Director of Environment Mulki Mohamed Dekhow also assured the county commissioner of the county government's support to enforce the ban on the plastic bags menace.

She said the plastic bags posed risks to the environment, clogging water channels, dangerous to livestock and helping in the breeding of mosquitos.

Hassan Sheikh Ali, Chairman of Hirola Conservancy underscored the importance of maintaining the forest cover that provides shade and food for humans and animals.

"As a community, our economic mainstay is livestock products, and the livestock depends on the tree cover, Let us remain committed to saving our environment," avered Hassan.

He challenged locals to preserve natural resources including national resources and community conservancies.