Stern action against garbage offenders

Saturday, 22 October 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Even parliament fails to separate and dispose garbage as ordered

After receiving complaints from Provincial Commissioners that most state institutions including Parliament have failed to dispose of garbage as per given guidelines, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faiszer Musthapha said on Thursday that stern legal action will be taken against those who do not follow the guidelines.

Musthapha stated that following complaints made by Provincial Commissioners that many government institutions including schools, police stations, Parliament, and the Election Commission do not segregate their waste.

Despite Police stations being guilty of the same charge, the Minister insisted that all those who refuse to abide by the regulations should be reported to the police. In addition, officers from Municipal Councils were appointed to coordinate with the police regarding people who violate the regulation.

Further, the Local Government Ministry will also inform all Cabinet Ministers regarding the issue while officials at the Ministry of Law and Order and Prison Reforms will instruct all police stations on proper disposable methods.

According to Mustapha, the Secretary of the State Ministry of Defense has agreed to assist the local government initiative by deploying members of the tri-forces to carry on program. The program would result in a reduction of garbage in dumping cities by 50% - 60%, he said.

Following long term discussions, the Ministry has decided to initiate this program by 1 November, the Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Kamal Padmasiri said, adding that he wished to identify the practical issues after initiating the program and work accordingly.

At the end of each month, a review of the program will be carried out, which will then lead to its implementation in Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas.