NYAGATARE-District authorities in Nyagatare are set to launch a crackdown on traders who smuggle bread that is packed in polythene bags into Rwanda from Uganda.

According to sources, the Ugandan-baked ‘hot loaf’ bread, which is packed in polythene bags, is smuggled through Buziba and Kagitumba boarders, violating the 2006 government order that declared Rwanda  a ‘No Polythene Bag Zone’

The District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Enock Byabashaija, told Business Times, Tuesday, that the district plans a join operation with the army and police to crackdown polythene bags smugglers.

"It is a growing issue and the district is much concerned about it. We want to jointly work with the army and police to ban smuggled polythene bags that damage our district,” he said.

He added that the influx of polythene bags in the district is mainly due to proximity the neighbouring country, Uganda.

Alice Nshimyabarezi, the district official in charge of environment confirmed that the impending ban operation is in preparations, saying that it would serve to protect the district from the deadly polythene bags effects.

"We will soon hunt these smugglers. Recently we announced on Radio, informing traders in the district (about) punishments against polythene bags but they kept deaf ears. We are strongly committed to punish culprits,” she said.

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