South Sudan’s Aweil State ministry of agriculture has announced that a ban on the use of plastic bags passed a few months ago by the state council of ministers has been effected since the beginning of the month.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Joseph Garang Garang, Aweil minister of agriculture and animal resources said despite the ban, most traders still supply plastic bags while citizens still use them. He added that plastic bags contribute to environmental pollution and can kill livestock.

Garang confirmed that after veterinary investigations, more than 750 cows died from the effect of plastic materials in the state since the beginning of the year.

He warned the people of Aweil to immediately cease the supply and use of plastic bags to avoid clashing will law enforcement agencies.