Editor,

I was surprised to read in yesterday’s The New Times that people are still using the banned polythene. How could the seven business operators in Kimihurura, who were on Tuesday fined Rwf 20,000 each for using polythene bags, expect to have gotten away with it?

I wonder if they weren’t aware of the ban. It’s been a few years since this material was banned within our borders, so for them to plead ignorance is an impossibility.

In fact, if they could have found so many people in only one sector, I’m left wondering, just how many people are flouting the law with impunity?  

I’m sure that if they did a countrywide operation like the one that occurred in Kimihurura, where the unsuspecting traders were caught red-handed using polythene bags in their shops to pack merchandise for their clients, they would apprehend hundreds of criminals.

I think that they should fine those who refuse to adhere to the law a lot more than Rwf 20,000. I think a punitive fine of up to Rwf 100,000 would make people think twice.

David Gasasira
Remera