THE Legislative Assembly has passed the Environment Management Amendment Bill 2015 paving the way for spot fine on litter and waste offences.
According to Clause 16 A of the Bill, whenever an environment officer or any other person authorised made under this Act - has the authority to issue to the person committing such offence a notice of infringement to litter and waste offences.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication (MEIDECC) Siaosi Sovaleni revealed this in Parliament when he briefed MPs on the Bill.
This Act adopts the infringement notice arrangements which have been successfully used for traffic offences.
A person who has been issued with a notice have two options to choose from. Either that person pay the fine or contest the notice in the Magistrate Court.
In most parliamentary constituency visit, calls were made to Parliament to consider spot fine options for offenders littering in public places.
Meanwhile the Hon. Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva thanked the general public especially in the Nuku’alofa area for their continuous effort in keeping Tonga clean and beautiful.
The Hon. Prime Minister also urged the public to continue on with their good health in efforts to help further developed our tourism sector.
The Speaker of Parliament Lord Tu’ivakano said with Parliament’s approval of the Environment Management Bill it would help to make a difference with efforts to beautify our island Kingdom.
He also acknowledged the great effort by the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism in leading a nationwide cleaning campaign in the lead up to the Coronation.