AZARIA FAREEN
Retail outlets, super-markets, commercial outlets, municipal markets, restaurants and the general public have been urged to get on board in support of Government’s initiative to ban single-use plastic Bags.
Government had announced the plastic ban in August 2017, providing ample time for business houses to transit to more eco-friendly options. Suva City Council board chair-man Isikeli Tikoduadua recently met with market vendors in Suva Municipal Market and handed out eco-bags sponsored by HFC Bank to create aware-ness and promote alternate use of single-use plastic bags. “HFC Bank is highly commended to come up with this option which has shown its commitment in addressing issues affecting our environment at the forefront at the city and of course for Fiji,” Mr. Tikoduadua said.
“Corporate organisations, please come on board to be part of this journey because we really need to protect our eco-system but most importantly this is the survival of our future generation and we should make a habit of using reusable bags so that it becomes a part of you.”
Mrs. Shahid has been a market vendor for over last three decades and says that she always had Eco-bags at her counter for customers to purchase.
“I have been ready for this move for a while. It is must that I have reusable bags at my counter as it is stronger and you can use it all the time,” she said.
“The price range for the Eco bags is a dollar for the small bag, two dollars for a medium cloth material bag and five dollars for the heavy sack material bag and we are also open to a better option at a wholesale price,” Mrs. Shahid added.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has called on all retailers, supermarkets and vendors to respect Fijians and be more patriotic.
“I commend retailers who are not only patriotic but who understand that there is financial and commercial gain in protecting our environment while accommodating the needs of their customers,” the A-G said.
“By banning single-use plastics, we’re safeguarding our environment, our oceans and the health and well-being of our Fijian families. So please, if you as a retailer, supermarket or vendor have not got on-board yet, start now.”