Some stakeholders have called for punitive measures against offenders of indiscriminate disposal of plastics in Ekiti State.
They made the call at the Pre-Legislative Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on the proposed Plastic Regulation Bill in Ekiti State organized by TGED Foundation in collaboration with the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Environment.
One of the major highlights of their resolutions and recommendations were penalties for offenders of indiscriminate disposal of plastics including fines/imprisonment, and community services.
Others key resolutions and recommendations include; “That the Ekiti State Plastic Regulation Bill should adopt a phased approach to implementation to allow adequate sensitization and stakeholder adjustment.
“That local manufacturers and traders be supported through economic incentives to shift toward sustainable packaging alternatives. The design of eco-friendly and decomposable packaging materials.
“The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the adoption of a circular economy model. Improve waste management and recycling systems, including the establishment of sorting facilities in Ekiti State.
“Enforcement of plastic waste management regulations. The promotion of reusable alternatives such as shopping bags with appropriate incentives, and increased investment in long-term, research-driven solutions.
“Enacting laws that encourage collaboration among industries, individuals, and communities to effectively tackle plastic pollution.
“Salary increases for sweepers, waste pickers and provision of health insurance to protect their well-being.
That informal waste workers and recyclers be integrated into the enforcement and monitoring framework.
“That a multi-stakeholder task force, including CSOs, youth representatives, and market associations, be set up to support implementation.
“That public education, awareness, orientation, re-orientation and behavioural change communication be prioritized in both urban and rural areas using local languages and culturally relevant tools.
“That penalties should include Fines/imprisonment, and community services.
That budgetary provision should be made for task force, Ministry of environment, and Ministry of Health.”
In her welcome address, the convener, Mrs. Ebenezer Oluwaseyi, who spoke on the harmful impact of single-use plastics in Ekiti State, emphasized the urgency for action and the importance of the forum in bringing all relevant stakeholders together to share their thoughts and support for the passage of a bill to ban single-use plastics in the State noting that the forum is a platform to make the bill a people centred one.
In his goodwill message, Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye emphasized the need for urgent action on single-use plastics in Ekiti State.
The Speaker revealed that the bill has scaled the first reading and pledged that there would be an accelerated hearing of the bill for the Governor’s assent, hoping that it would help rid the State of pollution caused by indiscriminate disposal of plastics.
He also commended the forum as a platform for finding sustainable alternatives and appreciated the convener, noting the relevance of all stakeholders involved.
The event had in attendance representatives from government/regulatory agencies, private sector, informal sector and waste pickers, youth-led initiatives, academics, traditional rulers, CSO, Media and religious leaders.
