by Lamantha Lano
Nine months after the plastic ban, our rivers and waterways remain heavily polluted with plastic waste.
The question is: why?
The ban, introduced as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the escalating plastic waste crisis affecting our environment, came into effect on March 2, 2024.
This initiative, which prohibits specific single-use plastics nationwide, emerged from extensive studies and surveys conducted in 2017 that highlighted the significant damage caused by these products.
When the ban was imposed, Dr Melchior Mataki, the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM), stressed that it was an important step towards securing a cleaner, healthier future for the country.
“By eliminating single-use plastics, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our environment, economy, and people,” Mataki said.
Volunteers at the recent clean up campaign at Matanikau River
Nine months on, however, hopes of a positive impact as a result of the ban remain unclear.
Plastic pollution continues to plague rivers and waterways, leading to severe consequences such as flooding as drainages are blocked, and littered streams and beaches.
The primary offenders driving this ongoing pollution are 1.5-litter Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) water bottles—which were not included in the ban—along with butane gas canisters and rampant household waste.
The banned items included plastic shopping bags, straws, cups, plates, cutlery, polystyrofoam takeaway containers, and PET bottles under 1.5 liters.
A regulation to ban the import, manufacture, distribution, sale, and supply of single-use plastics in Solomon Islands was signed by the then Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology on 1 September 2023, with a grace period of 6 months.
When the ban was proposed, public reactions varied, but the constructive feedback from the community and business owners before its implementation was crucial in shaping these regulations.
In the initial months following the ban, there was a clear reduction in the prevalence of single-use plastic littering streets and clogging our waterways, a promising development for environmental health.
Nonetheless, it emerged that the 1.5-litter plastic bottles, butane gas canisters, and household wastes reveal a stark reality.
The Mataniko River, once a source of pride for Honiara, has devolved into a disgrace, littered with such debris.
A recent clean-up of the river held on November 23 and organized by dedicated youth volunteers in collaboration with the Honiara City Council, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, and other partners is a testament to community action taken to counter the growing littering.
Residents near the river mouth have voiced frustration that despite initial strides to reduce plastic use, the waste problem has only grown worse.
For those who rely on the river for daily activities, witnessing plastic and debris floating in the water is an ongoing concern.
A resident for 37 years, Mary Theresa, said their livelihoods depend on the water.
“This is where our children play daily, while we women depend on it for our washings,” Theresa said.
“This situation is intolerable. Authorities must engage with upstream communities to put an end to dumping waste into the river,” she added.
Volunteers cleaning up at the recent clean-up campaign held in Honiara recently
Environmental advocates and residents have pinpointed several factors undermining the effectiveness of the plastic ban.
Inadequate waste disposal infrastructure, limited public awareness, and a continuous influx of waste from urban areas and informal markets are contributing to this ongoing pollution.
Youth volunteer Nickson Tuita said although the situation looks hopeless, they are committed to protecting the city’s environment and rivers.
“This is our way of demonstrating to the community that maintaining a clean environment is essential,” Tuita said.
“Local authorities cannot ignore the growing problem, and they are stepping up as partners in this clean-up initiative,” he added.
Mothers and children who use Matanikau River daily for swimming and washing clothes and utensils
Honiara City Councillor Ronald Konai acknowledged that although the plastic ban is a critical first step, there must be a more aggressive approach to addressing the pollution’s root causes.
“We need to enhance awareness in the communities, conduct workshops and training, and promote behavioral and mindset shifts,” Konai said.
He added the increase inHoniara’s population and the high consumption of single-use plastics further exacerbate the city’s struggle to implement and enforce the ban.
Recent flooding in Honiara during heavy rains has resulted in rivers and roads being littered with empty water and gas bottles.
The butane gas canisters are used widely for cooking in households, and large water bottles are irresponsibly discarded into waterways, creating significant environmental and health hazards.
Proper disposal is not just preferred; it is imperative for the safety of our communities and the preservation of our environment.
