This latest notice was given during a press briefing held on Tuesday, August 13 in Bujumbura by the Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Déo Guide Rurema. Before the journalists' microphones, reading from his face, Dr. Rurema is categorical about environmental protection.

"Whoever is caught after this grace period in possession of a plastic bag or sachet will be punished in accordance with the law in force," he said.

This measure is taken less than 6 months before the expiration of the deadline that had been granted to them following an exaggerated increase in imports of plastic bags and sachets and raw materials.

An exception for certain institutions

According to the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, the ban on plastic items does not apply to certain institutions. Among these are hospitals and schools. "Importing and manufacturing companies of non-biodegradable items will be able to continue their activities once they define the manner in which their waste will be managed, perhaps by being recycled," Dr. Déo Guide Rurema indicated.

Soon a ministerial order encouraging biodegradable manufacturers

Promoters of products substituting non-biodegradable items are being encouraged by the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock. "A ministerial order has been drawn up, sooner or later it will be implemented to define the terms of encouragement.

Dr. Rurema called on importers and manufacturers of plastic bags to already begin importing or manufacturing substitute products.

On August 8, 2018, Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza signed the decree-law banning the importation and manufacture, marketing and use of plastic sachets and other plastic packaging. Following this signature, importers and manufacturers of these products were granted a grace period of 18 months by the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock to clear their stocks.

By Prosper AOBE