The nuisance created by the litterbugs has made the Muscat Municipality and the Royal Oman Police (ROP) get tough with them. Now, those found throwing trash in public places would now be stopped and issued warnings.
A joint team from the Muscat Municipality and the ROP have already started carrying out inspections at several tourist spots to check “irresponsible behaviour”.During their inspections, a number of picnickers cooking in the green areas were warned as such practices might spark fire in the nearby areas. Many were warned for throwing waste in the non-designated areas. The team asked the people to refrain from such behaviour.
The special inspection team was constituted to promote positive values and raise awareness vis-a-vis public utilities. The team has been continuing its inspections to check such behaviour. Recently, several pictures of public places being littered appeared on social media platforms. Many were warned after the joint inspection team intensified its inspections. Despite the numerous clean campaigns across the country, the public places, especially beaches, continue to be littered.
Many, unable to tolerate this “irresponsible behaviour”, have called upon authorities concerned to impose hefty fines on litterbugs.
The Muscat Municipality has called on all citizens and residents to be committed to maintaining public utilities and facilities and to ensure that public sites are kept clean.
In addition, the municipality has warned hefty penalties and legal action will be taken against violators. The Observer had earlier carried an article in which some had called for wardens to be deployed at popular beachfronts for handing out fines on litterbugs.
Others had mooted the idea of installing CCTV cameras to keep an eye on them.
Many citizens took to social media to vent their ire at those sullying the nation’s pristine beaches. The ministerial decision No 55/2017 issued by the Muscat Municipality determines penalties for violating orders.
Throwing litter on streets, wadis or fenced walls can result in penalties, including a fine, of up to RO 1,000. The law says penalties will be doubled for a repeat offence.
Fahad al Ghadani
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