Dear editor,Ever since polythene bags were banned, strict repercussions were set for those who were found using these bags. However the discovery of the illegal trade in polythene bags that has been going on shows that, there is a mole in the whole ban policy. Some bags that are smuggled into the country should be burnt when discovered. REMA (Rwanda’s Environment Management Authority) has tried their best to stop the use of polythene bags in Rwanda. Another thing that they can do is to find ways of making paper bags cheaper for the average Rwandan. Paper bags though cost only 50FRW, are quite expensive for someone who is shopping for so many items. Buying numerous paper bags every time one goes shopping is a big inconvenience and at the same time expensive for the average Rwandan. This could be the reason why so many polythene bags are still smuggled into the country. REMA should continue in their fight against these dangerous polythene bags but an affordable alternative. They not only destroy the natural environment, but also prevent the decay of organic components in the soil and this eventually destroys the soil fertility and composition.Gicumbi
