MEMBERS of the public have to realise that there were no plastics in Fiji years ago and need to adapt to the changes that are in place, says Ministry of Economy’s oceans specialist Kushaal Raj.
Speaking at a consultation with market vendors in Suva on Thursday, he said the concerns raised by the vendors were valid and had been raised by vendors in other parts of Fiji.
“We hope that the transition will come in some time, we will be talking to manufacturers to assist with the supply of reusable bags,” he said.
“We advise that you do fork out costs in this manner to procure the reusable eco bags and you advise your customers to pay for these bags.”
Mr Raj advised the vendors that in 2018, it was announced that the ban would come into place, so a year’s notice had been given prior to that.
“In terms of consultation, of course here are global evidences on why plastic bags need to be banned and neighbouring Pacific Islands like Vanuatu have completely got rid of all plastics.
“We did a consultation in January throughout Fiji with the manufacturing companies to identify other alternative ways.”
