Council to distribute reusable bags to 50,000 households
Muizzu said that based on the estimates, calculating the price of bags for 50,000 households, it would cost about MVR 1.5 million.
Male City Council on Wednesday decided to distribute reusable bags to 50,000 households in the Male region.
During a general council meeting, Mayor Dr Mohamed Muizzu proposed to distribute bundles containing 25 eco-friendly, reusable bags each to 50,000 households in Male, Hulhumale and Villimale.
Muizzu said that based on the estimates, calculating the price of bags for 50,000 households, it would cost about MVR 1.5 million.
Muizzu said that 25 bags could be used by a household for a long time.
"Even if the government cuts the price [for bags], even if the government revokes its decision to charge MVR 2 per plastic bag, even if they decide not to take it, considering the environment, it's a good thing. Households will be able to stop using plastic bags," he said.
This, he said, was "not done as a reaction" and that it was a proactive decision up by the council.
An MVR 2 per plastic bag fee came into effect in mid-April. However, in view of the growing complaints of implementation and having to pay a hefty fee even while buying bags for essential purposes such as dumping garbage, the government has now moved an amendment to the relevant law.
