The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a citation and $15,000 fine to a Mon Repos resident found dumping garbage alongside a road as part of efforts by its anti-litter enforcement unit to crack down on illegal dumping.
The anti-littering unit conducted an investigation on January 13th after discovering several heaps of domestic waste dumped alongside School Street, De Andre Street, Richards’ Ville and Martyrs’ Ville, the EPA said in a press release. Eddie Seon, a resident of Mon Repos Village, was seen dumping waste alongside the road.
The EPA advises that this is an offence that attracts a fine of no less than $50,000. Following provisions in the Regulations Seon was issued a citation to pay a fixed penalty of $15,000 for the offence. The agency then served a Clean-up Order on NDC Chairman Anil Das, instructing him to ensure that all waste is removed from the area in two weeks.
Under the regulations, local authorities are legally obligated to ensure that public spaces under their purview are kept free from litter and that waste receptacles are provided and emptied in a timely manner.
This was the second notice to a local authority, after the Town Clerk and the City Engineer of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council were served Prohibition Notices in December, 2014, regarding the state of the city canals along North road and Church Street.
The EPA advises the public that littering is an offence and persons found flouting the law will be put before the courts. Fines for littering are from $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses. Further the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment will continue to work with the Guyana Police Force and other stakeholders to ensure that the law is applied. Littering offences and complaints can be sent to the unit via telephone 225-5471-2, 600-0620 or email greenguyana@gmail. com. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality, the EPA added.
