Burera: REMA raises awareness against plastic use and pollution in Lake Burera

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), in collaboration with local authorities, conducted a community awareness campaign in Rugarama Sector, Burera District, aimed at encouraging environmental protection particularly the fight against single-use plastics and the preservation of Lake Burera.

The campaign took place on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Rugarama market ground, using the popular radio drama Urunana as an interactive tool to relay key messages in an engaging and culturally familiar way.

The performance tackled persistent harmful practices such as the use of plastic bags, dumping waste into Lake Burera, and cultivating along the lake’s buffer zone in violation of the 50-meter legal boundary.

Rugarama is one of a border sector near Cyanika, which connects Rwanda to Uganda. It continues to face challenges with the influx of plastic bags smuggled from Uganda, where their use is still widespread.

Mushiniyimana, one of the participants, told Greenafrica.rw: “This campaign was timely because plastic use hasn’t been fully eliminated here. Some still believe plastics preserve items better than paper envelopes, ignoring the fact that once disposed of, they pollute soil, water, and livestock since they don’t decompose easily.”

Nzayituriki, another resident, appreciated the use of live drama (Urunana), saying: “People pay close attention because they want to see the radio characters live. I also liked how they awarded those who correctly answered environmental questions,this motivates everyone to listen attentively and absorb the message.”

Virginia Mugororeyimana, a REMA official, reminded the audience that the use and import of plastic bags is prohibited by law in Rwanda:

“These plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda because of their environmental harm. Even the salad wrappers you throw away can make land infertile, or worse, be consumed by animals and kill them. Burning them is also not allowed because the smoke pollutes the air and harms underground ecosystems.”

She urged residents to sort waste properly,separating organic and non-organic and dispose of it in designated areas rather than burning or dumping it carelessly.

Josiane Muakasonga, in charge of good governance in Rugarama Sector, praised REMA and the community for their participation, saying:

“Our people clearly embraced the initiative. We thank REMA for the environmental education because clean water, sustainable agriculture, and a healthy Lake Burera also mean a better quality of life. We urge residents to implement what they’ve learned from here.”

Rwanda’s national strategy against plastic pollution

Since 2008, the Government of Rwanda has implemented strict measures to combat plastic pollution through Law No. 57/2008, updated in 2019, which bans the use, importation, and commercialization of plastic bags. Offenders can face fines ranging from RWF 50,000 to RWF 1,000,000, and imprisonment of three to six months, or both.

In 2022, REMA, in partnership with UNDP and FONERWA (Rwanda’s Green Fund), launched initiatives promoting eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. According to REMA, plastic use in Rwanda has decreased by 97% since the 2008 ban, though challenges remain, especially in border communities.

REMA emphasized that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility,citizens must avoid deforestation, harming wildlife, polluting water bodies, and engage in sustainable farming practices that conserve biodiversity.

This campaign in Rugarama contributes to Rwanda’s broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

What the law says

According to Law No. 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the environment, Article 31 clearly states that “the manufacture, importation, use or sale of single-use plastic items is prohibited and constitutes a punishable offense.” Violators may be fined up to RWF 1,000,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.

Greenafica.rw