Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) has urged the judiciary to rule on the injunction against the production of thin plastic carrier bags in the country.

In an interview with YFM, Executive Director for Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy, CEPA, William Chadza said the court’s delay in concluding the matter is compromising the concerted efforts aimed at conserving the environment.

“The government tried to ban production, sell and use of thin plastics which are less than 60 micros but we have not been able to move to that direction because of the court’s delay to pass judgment on the injunction which the companies obtained against the suspension of the production,” Chadza said.

He therefore urged the court to pass the ruling so the country can know the specific direction on how the issue of thin plastics can be dealt with in the country.

Government’s ban on the use, sale, production, exportation and importation of plastic bags of less than 60 microns came into effect on June 30, 2015.

In 2016, Manufacturers under the Plastic Manufacturers Association of Malawi (PMAM) obtained a court order at the High Court stopping the enforcement of the ban.

Environmentalists promote the use thick plastics which are environmental friendly as they can be re-used.