The Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, on Tuesday approved a bill banning single-use plastic bags.
Under the new law, individuals found using or distributing single-use plastic bags face fines of up to 5,000 Ethiopian birr (about $38.7), while manufacturers, importers, and marketers could face steeper penalties or suspension of licences.
The bill will be forwarded to the president for assent.
“This is a necessary and long-overdue step,” said Gemedo Dalle, Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, during a press briefing following the parliamentary vote.
“Plastic pollution is choking our rivers, poisoning livestock, and polluting farmlands. Ethiopia must act now before it becomes unmanageable,” Mr Gemedo said.
Ahead of the parliamentary vote, it was noted that a nationwide public awareness campaign would be launched to educate citizens about the details of the new law.
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