The Minister of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) Hele Pierre, has restated that the ban on plastic bags will be effective from April 2014.
By Anu Paul
The Minister made the statement on January 16 at the Yaounde Conference Centre while receiving New Year wishes from staff of central and external services of MINEPDED.
Hele Pierre reiterated that plastics are dangerous to the soil and the population and their effects can live on for generations, so it should be the concern of everyone to ensure its elimination to help protect the environment.
The Minister called for the cooperation of all stakeholders and the public for effective implementation of the decision.
He warned that the law will deal with any resistance.
Earlier, MINEPDED Secretary General, Patrick Akwa, highlighted some of the major accomplishments of the Ministry in 2013, which involved training of inspectors to monitor climate change, the planting of 20,000 trees along the coast of Cameroon, sensitization of the population in all major project sites and follow-up of all environmental impact assessment. MINEPDED also created a climate change website, developed plant nursery to plant in deforested and desertification zones.
In addition, the Ministry issued a certification for environmental conformity and levied fines to those found guilty of non-respect of environmental norms.
Akwa said in 2013 MINEPDED achieved 61% of its budgetary execution.
He acknowledged that despite the progress made since the creation of MINEPDED nine years ago, there are some challenges that still need to be tackled such as the shortage of well trained environmental experts, laxity, absenteeism, corruption and the slow treatment of files.
Meanwhile, Minister Hele Pierre handed down some fresh instructions to all his collaborators for better coordination and good performance.
He told the staff to always put at the forefront of any decision, the mission of effective environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Also present at the occasion was a number of NGOs working for the protection of the environment.
The NGOs who spoke to the Green Vision newspaper appealed for more assistance from the Ministry and synergy in environmental activities.
They said the fight against environmental degradation must be integrated with other stakeholders for better results and promised total commitment and support to MINEPDED actions for 2014.
