Editor,

I am writing to thank officials from Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) for their concerted efforts in cracking down on the use of plastic bags in the country in a bid to protect the environment.

I think Rema has also been able to successful in carry out a campaign to inform Rwandans that anyone using plastic bags is breaking a law on environmental protection.

Every visitor to Rwanda talks about our cleanliness which has to be maintained. I have visited neighboring countries but the situation is pathetic. I saw one passenger throw used plastic bag through a taxi window in the middle of the city, hitting people walking on the streets. People have been saying that paper bags are more expensive than plastic ones, but the advantages of banning plastic bags are too numerous and I want to appeal to Rema officials to ignore such complaints.

Recently, I moved around the country and I think the environmental body has managed to completely end the use of plastic bags and to stop traders from importing them.

Frank Gabi
Remera