Local food vendors operating in different parts of Lagos State are in a quandary as the ban on ‘take-away’ containers and single-use plastic has left them with few alternatives. Some are voicing their frustration, saying that customers should bring their plates if they are not ready to eat them in their shops. Others said they have resorted to the use of nylon bags in packing food for their customers which many of them are comfortable with citing economic conditions.
Some food vendors told our correspondent that they were compelled to switch over to the use of nylon bags when the state government failed to provide them with cheaper and better alternatives after the ban.
PUNCH Healthwise visited some parts of the state where local food vendors operate in their numbers and they promised to comply with the government’s new directive.
However, some told our correspondent that they have already found new and cheaper ways of packaging food for their customers, who are mostly in a rush to get to work every morning.
The food vendors said they were already using nylon bags as alternatives and also asking their customers to come with their Tiffin boxes or reusable containers when coming to buy food.
They, however, complained that the Lagos State Government did not give adequate notice before the ban, as it is the best global practice when the government is about to implement a defining policy that affects businesses.
In a move to address climate change concerns, the Lagos State Government recently banned the distribution and use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) and other single-use plastics in the state.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the campaign against environmental vandalism would start with polystyrene (popularly known as Styrofoam), microbeads, carrier bags, plastic spoons, straws and disposable cups because they do not have recyclable potential.
According to him, Lagos grapples with poor hygiene behaviours and indiscriminate waste disposal habits by residents.
Reports state that Lagos generates 870,000 tonnes of plastic and loses N7bn annually managing waste.
The commissioner said drainage networks were often clogged due to the reckless disposal of non-biodegradable items; roads and markets are littered despite the best efforts of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority.
Wahab noted that the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets which LAWMA contends with daily was made up of styrofoams, stressing that the state government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment, especially as a coastal city.
Wahab directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline to commence the implementation of the ban immediately.
The Commissioner tasked the two agencies to clamp down on all the production companies and distribution outlets for styrofoams in the state to prevent further distribution.
He stated that the state took the present action, relying on several enabling laws and regulations such as the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009 which was established under the NESREA Act that prohibited and specifically banned single-use plastic in the country but has not been enforced.
However, the state government on Thursday said it would be giving a three-week extension on the implementation of the ban to enable producers to clear their stock.
