As managing editor of Tanzania is unofficially the worst place in the world to try to make a living selling plastic bags. I'm making that ruling after seeing this story, shared by our Washington reporter Mike Versepej, about eight businessmen who were each sentenced to three months in jail for selling plastic bags.
National Environment Management Council (NEMC) acting Director General Bonaventura Baya told a news conference in Dar es Salaam that the convicts were found selling plastic bags with thickness below 0.03mm which is against the law.Mr Baya said the traders were nabbed on September 6, in a swoop conducted by NEMC following reports that people were still using the banned plastic bags.
He said 16 traders were arrested during the operation. Eight traders were arrested in Kinondoni, six in Temeke and two Ilala.
“When they appeared before the court eight traders from Temeke and Ilala pleaded guilty. They were immediately given three-month jail terms.
“Those who pleaded not guilty were remanded after failure to secure reliable sureties. The case was adjourned to Friday,” Mr Baya said.
Wow. The next time you're having a tough day at work, just keep these guys in mind, and remember that things could be much worse.