By Nelson Manneh It was announced that the Government of the Gambia will be banning plastic bags effective July 1, 2015. Yesterday 1 July, 2015, this reporter visited the Serrekunda andLatrikunda markets respectively to find out if the said plastic bags are available in the market or totally banned. This reporter went round the two markets but could not see any paper bags and that plastic bags were available but in little quantity. Speaking to one Fatoumatta Fofana, who sells charcoal at the entrance of the Serrekunda market, she said not all their customers can afford to buy a bag of charcoal so some usually buy in cups which are normally put in plastic bags. “If this plastic bags are banned it will really affect us as we cannot ask our customers to bring their own containers for us to put the charcoal they buy from us and this is the only trade for us to do in order to get money to feed ourselves and our families,’’ Mrs. Fofana explained. She noted that since it is a law, they will try to comply with it as they have no power to do otherwise. Aminata Manneh, a customer who was met buying moist sugar in one of the shops at the Latrikunda market, told Foroyaa that it will not be easy for both the sellers and the customers. He said the authorities should have also considered providing an alternative to the banned plastic bags. Momodou Barry, another shop keeper who sells plastic bags in his shop, said he went to the market yesterday to buy more plastic bags but could not get any and was told that they have stopped selling them now. He also said that the ban will be affecting their business. As for the use of paper bags, Barry said he has not yet seen any paper bag in the market. This reporter will continue to monitor whether the paper bags are available as well as the use of plastic bags.]]>
