BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A shop in the town of Noro has come under scrutiny after being caught selling banned plastic products sparking fresh concerns about enforcement of the country’s environmental regulations.
The breach was discovered during a routine inspection carried out by the Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment (WPNSM), in collaboration with the province’s Environment Division.
Speaking inclusively to Island Sun, Jully Misimake, Principal Environment Officer for Western Province, confirmed the incident stating that the shop owner had been issued a formal warning and instructed to remove the prohibited items from display.
“This case indicates that some shop owners either ignore the Plastic Ban Regulation or lack access to proper information about it.
“That is why my office, with the support of WPNSM continue to conduct awareness programs in addition to enforcement,” she said.
However, Misimake expressed frustration over the lack of action from national authorities, revealing that her office has submitted several reports to the responsible ministry regarding breaches of the Plastic Ban Regulation but no action has been taken.
“Despite repeated reports, including a new one following the Noro case, no concrete actions have been taken against the shop owners,” she said.
Island Sun understands that the incident underscores ongoing challenges in fully implementing the plastic ban across the Solomon Islands, particularly in remote areas where enforcement and public awareness remain limited.
The Environment Division has pledged to continue its monitoring efforts and called on both local businesses and national authorities to take the regulation more seriously to protect the country’s environment.
Solomon Islands’ Plastic Ban Regulation was gazetted on 1st September 2023 and prohibits the import, manufacture, sale and distribution of single-use plastic bags, straws, cups, plates, cutlery, polystyrene containers and PET bottles under 1.5 L. A six‑month grace period ended 1 March 2024, after which heavy fines and jail apply.
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