WITH THE recent approval of the Public Cleansing Regulation, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) says it will be embarking on an intensive education programme aimed at sensitising the public to its activities.
The regulation which falls under sections 46-48 of the National Solid Waste Management Act of 2001, seeks to stem widespread littering of public spaces. This gives the NSWMA the power to prosecute persons who are found in breach. "Under this Public Cleanliness Regulation, what will happen is that an offender will be served with what we refer to as a fixed penalty fine, which (is similar) to the ticketing system used for traffic offences," explained Nicole West-Hayles from the NSWMA.
PAYABLE AT COLLECTORATES
She noted that these fines are payable at the tax collectorates, failing which persons can be arrested and brought before a Resident Magistrate's Court. The fines range from a low of $2,000 to a high of $10,000. Refusing to give name, address and proof of identity is also a breach and attracts a fine not exceeding $50,000 upon summary conviction in a Resident Magistrate's Court.
The garbage collection agency said it will be utilising all media channels and community groups to launch its intensive education programme. In addition, brochures outlining the details of the regulations have been created for wide distribution. The regulation was signed off on by the Minister of Local Government in July.
The regulation is enforceable by any member of the Police Force, public health officer, traffic warden or any officer authorised under the Natural Resources Conservation (Marine Parks) Regulation or the National Solid Waste Management Act.
