He said during the enforcement exercises on banned plastic bags across the country in Banjul, no imports or selling were found but they found in almost all the regions including Upper River Region.
"The media briefing also seeks to reiterate the strategies initiated by the NEA to enforce the law that was established in 2015," he said.
Dr. Badjie added that it is the mandate of his office to regulate the use of plastic bags in the country and if anyone fails to comply, they will face the full force of law.
According to him, the culprits that were found with plastic bags from the various regions will be prosecuted at the court of law.
"Plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics and microplastics, can contaminate freshwater sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater," he mentioned.
NEA executive director also indicated that plastic bags pollution can lead to the consumption of microplastics through contaminated drinking water, thus potentially posing risks to human health.
Executive Director Badjie stated that the plastic inspection have been going in all the regions across the country.
He said the continuous use of plastic bags is a threat to food security as they resist decomposition for decades and become virtual eyesore in public places.
Dr. Badjie highlights that despite numerous challenges the agency is committed in ensuring that exercise is effective and sustainable.
Malick Bah, the director of Technical Services and Network at NEA, said the one of the roles of the agency is to make sure the law that it fights against usage, selling and importation of plastic for the well-being of the Gambians and the betterment of the country.
He said the country’s borders are porous and as such, they would work with the security officers on the enforcement exercises until plastic bags are finally out of the country.
According to him, the situation warranted the government of The Gambia to completely ban its importation into the country with effect from 1st July 2015 and equally announced the need for environmental cleanliness to avert the numerous problems related to environmental mismanagement.
