Government’s stance on the production, importation, distribution and use of thin plastics seems to be binding as it has closed down OG plastics and Anchor Plastics Industries for violating the law.

This was revealed through an inspection that the Ministry of Environment conducted at the facilities last week.

According to letters of notice directed to the two companies by  director of environmental affairs, Tawonga Mbale-Luka, a K5 million fine has also been imposed on them.

“Section 6 (1) of the Environment Management (Plastics) Regulations of 2015 states that ‘any person who imports, manufactures, trades, or engages in commercial distribution of plastics, plastic bags and plastic sheets made of film with a wall thickness of less than sixty micrometres, commits an offence.

“NOW THEREFORE TAKE NOTE that ANCHOR PLASTICS INDUSTRIES is hereby CLOSED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT under the provisions of the Environment Management Act, until such a time when the provisions of the Act and the Environment Management (Plastics) Regulations of 2015, have been complied with and the order is lifted,” reads one letter addressed to Anchor Plastics.

The Ministry also warned of legal proceedings if the fine is not adhered to by June 20.

The Environment Management (Plastics) Regulation was gazetted in 2015 but manufacturing companies fought against its implementation in the courts.

Lately environmental activists have expressed disappointment with the delay by government to enforce the law.