By Fatoumatta K. Jallow
The Environment Court at Kanifing, on Friday, 6th May 2016, sentenced
one Abdoulaye Joof, a Senegalese national, for importing plastic bags
into the country in contravention of the regulation banning the sale
and use of the product.This was revealed by Mr. Momodou Jama Suwareh, Director of
Inter-sectoral Network at the NEA,.
According to Mr. Suwareh, this is the first conviction for the offence
following the ban on plastic bags which came into effect on 1st July
2015.
He emphasised that they are vigilant and that anyone who is found
wanting will be prosecuted at the Environment Court in accordance with
the Environment Order.
Mr. Suwareh said they have put in place effective measures at both the
airport and seaport to prevent the importation of plastic bags but
that with the porous land borders, the banned product is being
smuggled into the country.
He noted there are minimum and maximum fines for the convicts which
are D250, 000 and D500, 000 respectively as well as custodial sentence
of 12 months imprisonment.
The NEA Director of Inter-sectoral Network said he is calling on the
general public to remain vigilant in the protection of the environment
as it should be a concern to all citizens.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Njaga Touray, Programme Officer Environment and
Quality at the NEA, said his agency will not spare anybody found
wanting in violating the ban on plastic bags. “Plastic bags remain banned
in this country till today,” he said.
