Biruta was speaking yesterday while launching National Environment Week which aims at beating plastic pollution.
In 2008, Rwanda introduced the law to prohibit the manufacture, importation, use and sale of polythene bags.
According to Biruta, the country hase seen remarkable progress and other countries, especially in the region are following suit.
“Today, the challenge we face is no longer plastic bags alone, but all plastics, especially those used once and thrown away. These disposable plastics are known as ‘single use’ plastics,” he said.
“Single use plastics are damaging our rivers, wetlands, and farmlands. They also pose a risk to our health. Like all rubbish, plastic waste blocks drains and waterways. This increases the chances of flooding and provides the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising the risk of malaria and other water borne diseases,” he explained.
He said that this year, the Ministry of Environment and partners have embarked on new ways to improve plastic recycling and reduce plastic waste.
“We are in the process of revising the plastics law to reduce single use plastics and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of plastic recycling in the country,” he said.
He encouraged people to invest in sustainable alternatives to plastics that are better for health and the environment. He said that some of the biggest sources of plastic waste include bottles, straws, cups, plates and cutlery which are often used in meetings and traditional gatherings like weddings.
“It’s time to make the switch and say no to single use plastic,” he noted adding that ending plastic waste will protect health and environment, save money and reduce the burden on the country’s waste management system.
Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Fode Ndiaye said that there is need for government partners to end use of plastics.
“I strongly believe that we need a broad alliance including governments, CSOs, NGOs, DPs, private sector and businesses and more importantly citizens, every day and everywhere. It is about behavioral change from production to usage and disposal,” he said.
He said that today, the World produces twenty times more plastic than in the 1960s, and around one third of all plastic is used for packaging.
“Small changes will matter. Let us individually take today a commitment in refusing to use plastic whenever possible or to reuse it, if not possible! It is in our personal hands to our dangerous plastic hands! Let us help clean our environment,” he encouraged people.
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