By Prince J Musa in Kenema
In order to control the negative impact of plastics on the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called for a halt to their dumping in drainages and other public places.
EPA made this call together with its partners during an event to commemorate World Environment Day in Kenema on the 5th of June 2023.
In his statement, the Chairman of the occasion and EPA Officer East, Joseph Sahr Tengbeh said EPA as an institution decided to look at plastics this year since they have become a threat to the environment. He said the uncontrollable way of handling plastics has negatively impacted the environment, threatening marine life and the general aquatic environment.
He said plastic is a pollutant to the environment and explained they are targeting school pupils so that they can help pass on the information for a safe environment.
The Deputy Director of the National Disaster Management Agency, Valentine Sualley said that targeting plastic is important because it is causing a lot of environmental problems such as blocking the drainages leading to flooding and other health hazards. He said plastic management is poor and that the rate at which it is used is destroying the environment.
He assured EPA that the disaster management agency will continue to work with them to control plastics.
EPA Regional Manager East, Emmanuel During told the gathering that every year over 400 million tons of plastics is being produced and half of that is single-use plastic, noting their agency would want to see how they can be reused for other purposes that will benefit the society.
The District Director of Agriculture, Philip Gannah Conteh stated that Government should impose high taxes on plastic importation to mitigate pollution caused by its use. He added that plastic is causing low yield in crops.
The Deputy Chief Administrator, of Kenema District Council, Patrick Jakema assured of the council’s fullest support to environmental protection, especially plastic pollution. He said the use of fertilizer on crops is also contributing to low production, and health hazards to the human immune system.
He informed EPA that the council considers environmental protection as one of its key functions, saying it is on that basis they have embarked on supporting partners in tree planting.
Jakema went on to say that everyone is feeling the global challenges of climate change including the agricultural sector.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (07/06/23)
