Students pick up trash in public areas of Phnom Kravanh district, as part of efforts to maintain public order, hygiene and a clean environment. District administration
Local authorities in Pursat province’s Phnom Kravanh district have begun fining anyone caught dumping trash in public areas. The litterbug crackdown is in line with the continued efforts of provincial governor Khoy Rida, who has repeatedly called for public order, hygiene and a clean environment to be maintained across the province.
Enforcement began immediately after the publication of a February 10 notice, with initial fines ranging from 20,000 riel ($5) to 400,000 ($100).
The district administration explained that despite frequent public awareness campaigns about the importance of environmental hygiene, some citizens and business owners were continuing to dump waste along roads and in public areas.
These actions negative impact the environment, public health and the aesthetics of the community, it added.
To prevent these recurring problems, the local administration will begin enforcing fines.
Pedestrians or tourists who litter will be fined 20,000 riel and made to pick up their trash and place it in a public rubbish bun. Street vendors or those selling goods in public areas will be fined 50,000 riel ($12.50) and ordered to collect their trash and dispose of it correctly.
Home-based businesses, small shops, restaurants and recreational facilities owners will be fined 150,000 riel ($37.50) and made to dispose of their waste.
Markets and construction sites will be fined 200,000 riel ($50) and will be responsible for transporting their waste to a landfill or other suitable site.
The highest fine, 400,000 riel ($100), will be imposed on factories and large enterprises. They will also be liable for the cost of removing the waste.
Fines will imposed in cash and may include other penalties.
“In case of non-compliance, the fines will be tripled,” warned district governor Theam Sophat.
Other districts have issued similar notices since the provincial governor ordered village, commune and district authorities to pay closer attention to waste disposal.
He issued the instructions during the provincial administration’s annual conference in January.
“Where there is waste, there is no district governor. Where there is a district governor, there must be no waste. Where there is waste, there is no commune chief. Where there is a commune chief, there must be no waste,” he said.
