An environmental official from Nakuru County government has decried the challenges faced in the disposal of plastic bags.
Susan Wanjiru said the bags which were mostly embraced as shopping bags have now become an environmental hazard as they are littered all over the streets and block drainage.
Speaking in Gilgil on Thursday during an environmental meeting, the official said polythene bags are littered by people who are environmentally unconscious thus making the town untidy.
“Polythene bags are littered by people who are not environmentally conscious and taint the area's image by making it untidy,” said Wanjiru.
She noted that whenever it rains, the bags clog culverts and block sewerage systems which in most cases pose a health risk.
Wanjiru asked residents to find alternative and friendlier carriers such as cotton and sisal bags if they find it hard to manage the plastic bags.
Area assistant chief Stanley Maina told the residents to learn how to disposal off plastic bags to make the area tidy.
“You should learn how to dispose off the bags to make the area tidy. If you just use them any how you are endangering your own life,” he said.