National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has today began enforcing the ban on passenger service vehicles (PSVs) and gas stations without waste bins.
NEMA is promoting a campaign against pollution using the hashtags #LitterfreeUg and #PolluterPaysUg.
In addition to not polluting, “Dustbins are required for Passenger Service Vehicles (PSVs) per regulation 33 of SI,49, 2020,” according to a directive issued by NEMA on April 30.
“Private vehicles may continue to operate without trash cans, but littering is prohibited,” states the NEMA communication.
The most readily identifiable PSVs are buses, taxi, and shuttles. In a tweet dated April 13, the environmental watchdog commended taxi drivers who had begun carrying trash cans.
NEMA informed all fuel station operators and the general public on April 6 that all fuel stations are required to have at least three well-labeled litter receptacles for biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and toxic waste that are easily accessible to all travelers and motorists.
Mr. Barirega Akankwasah, the Executive Director of NEMA, stated, “All Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), audits, and social requests for fuel stations shall assess the impact of this mandatory requirement.”
“In this regard, all gas stations are hereby notified that the authority will begin enforcing this requirement on May 1,” he added.
Mr. Akankwasah also told NTV Uganda that the Kampala Capital City Authority is planning to install trash cans on popular streets, though they are already present in markets.
“We are working with gas station owners to ensure proper waste disposal, and owners of commercial buildings are required to provide waste containers,” he said.
The authority will collaborate with the traffic police to ensure that drivers comply with environmental laws.
The new directive has elicited numerous missing responses from the general public. Mr. Micheal Kisakye, a pharmacist, responded to NEMA on Twitter yesterday, stating, “Wetlands have been encroached upon, and all you care about are trash cans?!”
Mr. Robert Tugume, a climate change activist, remarked, “Add pollution-related fees to these antiquated matatus!”
Yesterday, Mr. Akankwasah could not be reached for comment on the penalties imposed on those who disregard the directive.
NEMA announced in February that it would implement a new expedited sanction system to deter violations of environmental laws and prevent environmental degradation.Any vehicle discovered without a trash can would result in the driver’s arrest or a Shs6 million fine. However, the penalty no longer applies to personal vehicles.