A new report released in Kigali on Thursday indicates that mining companies were causing soil erosion, polluting rivers and wetlands and failing to rehabilitate mining sites across Rwanda.
According to the report by the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA), the investigated mining companies were also found with no employees dedicated to environmental protection.
The investigation also reveals that vehicles are being washed and allowed to discharge wastes in wetlands while some are dumping them on other sites which had been rendered wastelands by the practice.
“Those washing vehicles should be using licensed car washing stations. Washing vehicles in wetlands pollutes the water sources and degrades biodiversity,” the report warns.
The report also names businesses that are still retailing single use plastics such as straws, folks, and cups among others.
According to REMA, during the investigation at least 1,560 kilogrammes of single use plastic items were collected for recycling.
There is a law which says that wholesalers of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are fined an administrative fine of about $700 and dispossessed of these items if they are caught.
A retailer faces an administrative fine of $300 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
Rwanda has been plastic bag free since 2008.
The country completely banned plastic bags when other countries around the world started imposing taxes on their use.
Offenders smuggling plastic bags can even face jail terms.
CU/as/APA