8 January 2015 - Warrap’s governor has banned the use of plastic bags in the state, extending a cleanup campaign begun late last year to rid towns of rubbish.

Governor Nyandeng Malek Delic said the bags damaged the environment, littered roadsides and waterways and threatened livestock. He said the order took immediate effect and warned that people found violating it would be fined up to 150 pounds, according to the Local Government Act.

The ban, issued earlier this week, directs traders and the general public to replace bags with baskets or other containers. Stating that plastic bags are environmentally unfriendly, it also states that livestock have become ill after ingesting them.

Traders in Kuajok market told Radio Miraya they had yet to receive formal notification of the ban. Some supported the order, but others objected to it.

“The town council did not come to us … we did not hear this order, (but have) no objection,” said Omar Ahmed Tamim. “Everyone must respect the law.”

Shali Ibrahim Shali applauded the governor’s decision, encouraging the public to stop using plastic bags to protect animals and the environment.

“For me, the decision of the governor is correct,” he said. “This plastic in terms of health is not good. It is affecting animals. Animals will consume it. This is my observation.”

But groundnuts seller Angelina Ayak Thiep said she must continue using plastic bags because her product could not be carried in newspapers.

“Groundnuts are better to be placed in plastic bags, “Ms. Thiep said. “For health-related (reasons) we put them in plastic bags and tie them up.”

And many of the market’s street children survive with the little money they earn selling plastic bags.

“if we don’t sell plastic bags, how will we eat?” asked John Makuc Guak. “Women come to market without bags for carrying their items and that is why we sell bags. If we have to stop, how will we survive?