Importers and sellers of plastic bags have sued to suspend a government ban on the use, manufacture and importation of polythene. In a suit filed by two people on their behalf, the traders have sued Environment Cabinet Secretary and the Attorney-General. There is a claim that the ban, issued through a legal notice earlier this year, did not comply with the law. Through their lawyer, they argue that the six-month period given to importers, retailers and dealers of plastic bags is not sufficient for them to clear all their stock and fulfill their contractual obligations. They claim that they are bound to suffer great economic losses since
the regulation was effected without adequate consultation with stakeholders. They want the court to temporarily suspend that regulation banning the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging. Previous efforts to abolish the use of plastic bags have failed, and it remains to be seen if the latest ban will bear fruit.