Solomons provincial government bans plastic bags

The Western provincial government has put a ban on plastic bag to be used in the province.

This was endorsed during an urgent meeting last week.

“I hate plastic bag! a bolt and provoking statement, that Hon. Wayne Maepioh Premier of Western Province made at a local ministerial and stakeholder holder officials meeting held at the headquarters of the Western Province government.

More than fifteen officials within the government local line ministries and Gizo based environmental NGO’s and organizations were summoned to attend the meeting.

Premier of Western Province said pollution of plastic bag in the province has reached epidemic proportions and; “we must take into account the adverse effects it can poses to our health and the environment.”

“It is a great concern to me, whilst we may have lot of other important issues and priorities to tackle, however I want this matter as an immediate focus if we can collectively address this issue of plastic bag ban without further delay.”

Premier Maepioh said Western Province is in the forefront in the tourism industry in the Solomon Islands and it is fitting that Western Province must take on proactive ideals and decision to make our province a place to be, unique and beautiful and free from plastic pollutions.

The likes of environmental NGO’s WWF and Ecological solutions representatives have welcomed the initiative made by Mr Maepioh.

A two-day government and stakeholder workshop will follow up on Wednesday and Thursday next week and with a communiqué to be signed by Friday, June 2.

The communiqué will formulate a formal document for the provincial government’s endorsement and adoption.