Firms against thin plastics use
Three companies linked to Malawi’s railway industry-Central East African Railway (Cear), Vale Logistics and CLN-have urged communities in Machinga District to stop using thin plastic bags to conserve the environment.
The companies said this during their joint celebration of World Environment Day on Tuesday in Mbanila Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kawinga in Machinga District under the theme: Beat Plastic Pollution.
Speaking on behalf of the three companies, Cear’s social investment and community relations manager Towera Ng’ambi said use of thin plastic bags is reaching what she called alarming levels; hence, the need to reverse the trend.
“In the past there used to be bamboo or palm baskets, which were environment friendly. The challenge with plastic paper is that it does not decompose,” she said.
Machinga District Council environmental representative Cynthia Gerald said the district has always made efforts to deal with the use of plastic bags.
“We encourage people in markets and households to ensure they do not dispose of plastic bags anywhere. We encourage people to use alternative materials for carrying [what they have bought] from the market,” she said.
The use of thin plastics has gone unabated despite a government ban on their production and use.
Cear, Vale and CLN donated two wheelbarrows, one rake and three shovels to Mbanila Market to help in clearing waste at the market.
Mbanila Market chairperson Biton Chitsulo thanked the firms for the donation and promised to promote hygiene in the market.
