DUSTBINS: NEMA suspends enforcement of new regulation
Dr. Akankwasa Barirega, the NEMA Executive Director In a statement released on Friday said that the enforcement of dustbins in cars had been halted for at least 30 days.
This statement therefore suspends the enforcement of the requirement for all vehicles to have dustbins or pay a shs6 million fine in default and this comes after an engagement with public transporters federation.
“The public transporters requested for additional time to install trash bins or bags in their vehicles. We have accordingly given them a grace period of 30 days to enable them install trash bins or bags to prevent littering from the public transport vehicles,” Barirega said in a statement on Friday.
Barirega added that the enforcement teams are notified that nobody should be arrested or fined for not having a trash bin or bag in their vehicle during this grace period starting April, 1, 2023.
“Note that the administrative fines are voluntary and a person who doesn’t prefer the fine will be subjected to prosecution and imprisonment of a fine as determined by court.” Barirega said.
However, this requirement for vehicles to have dustbins or pay a shs6 million fine has caused a public uproar, especially on social media.
Many have said it is illogical for NEMA to start enforcing installing of dustbins in vehicles.
The grace period is applicable for both private and public vehicles but according to the NEMA Executive Director, any vehicle seen littering or throwing trash will be impounded, the owner arrested and then prosecuted.
