Should the ban on polythene bags be lifted?

Rwanda put in place a nationwide ban on disposable plastic bags in 2005. The ban was passed and made effective September 2008. Do people still think that the ban should be upheld? Society Magazine’s Pelagie N. Mbabazi hit the street to gather people’s views. “The ban shouldn’t be removed because our country has been a lot cleaner without them. When people are travelling to Rwanda, they know that they can’t bring these bags into the country because they are regarded as harmful to the environment.”Josette Komezusenge, Nyarugenge Resident.“I don’t see why anyone would want to use polythene bags in this era. Paper bags are safer and healthier for our environment. Plus, Kigali is known to be one of the cleanest cities in Africa, and polythene bags will only strip us of that.”Jean Bosco Gasigwa, employee at Simba Supermarket bakery.“I remember when we still used those polythene bags; people littered all the time and they were strewn all over the place. Since they do not decay that easily, I say that the ban should remain intact.” Fanny Mukasolo, Business woman“To be honest, plastic bags are easier to hold if you have a lot to carry but they are still a danger to the environment. The only problem with these paper bags is that they are sometimes scarce. Jean Bosco Ndayisaba, Gasabo Resident.“Polythene bags are not environment friendly and because of that, we are safer not using them. What is wrong with the paper bags we are using now?”Richard Mpanibaje, Nyamirambo resident.“Let polythene bags stay exactly where they are – in history! To other countries that are still using the little disasters, there is nothing good about them. They will only destroy the environment.”Eric Karegire, Simba Supermarket staff