Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned the public from throwing or dumping waste in unauthorized places since it contravenes the law on environmental protection, after cases of people dumping waste on sidewalks and streets either while walking or through car windows according to a report by Rwanda Updates.
“Rwanda has invested a lot in ensuring total cleanliness; this kind of investment can’t be put to waste, that is why we encourage members of the public to always use trash cans placed by the roadside and also own the responsibility of keeping our cities clean,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Celestin Twahirwa in an interview
Rwanda’s organic law, article 107 states that “any person who deposits, abandons or dumps waste, materials, or who pours sewage in a public or private place, is punished by a fine ranging from Rwf10,000 to Rwf100,000 except if such a place has been designated by competent authorities.”
The Commissioner cautioned the public not to contravene the legal provisions against littering including the existing security and hygiene mechanisms.
“We wish to inform the public that in partnership with all concerned stakeholders, we encourage people to be on the lookout for anyone who may dump waste on the streets like cigarette butt and water bottles, which are jointly fighting against,” said the Commissioner Celestin Twahirwa
Twahirwa outlined that litter can build up and attract insects that bring unwanted germs and disease to the ecosystems, which can as well be a security issue.
“Littering has many effects; waste that has not been disposed properly can affect human lives and the environment and this is why we normally have Umuganda – monthly communal work – laws punishing littering” said the commissioner.
