Tough new penalties come into force from tomorrow

By Zainab Al Nasseri — MUSCAT: April 23 - Seeking to crack the whip against littering, vandalism and graffiti-writing, among other offences, Muscat Municipality has rolled out a ramped-up regime of fines that comes into effect from Tuesday. The new penalties, issued via Municipal Resolution 55/2017, seek to regulate municipal work and commercial activities, protect public health and hygiene and safeguard the general population from any emissions or pollution resulting from construction or industrial activities. It also prescribes hefty fines against those found to be carrying out regulated activities without a valid licence, operating commercial establishments without valid permits, or contravening regulations relating to preventative health and environmental hygiene. Disposal of garbage or waste in public areas or vacant plots, whether open or walled, will attract a fine of RO 1,000. The amount will be doubled for repeat offences. The offender in question will be given 24 hours to move the waste to a designated waste bin or authorised disposal site, failing which the fine will be levied. Significantly, the dumping of debris, felled trees, junk furniture, electronic scrap such as TV sets and so, in the vicinity of garbage bins will be liable to a fine of RO 50. Again, those responsible for such irresponsible acts will be given 24 hours to move the waste to designated disposal site, failing which they will be subject to the prescribed fine. Repeat offences attract a doubling of the fine, according to the Municipal Resolution. Likewise, the improper disposal of animal carcasses or manure in public areas or in the close vicinity of allocated rubbish bins, will be subject to a fine of RO 100. Additionally, the revamped system of penalties includes a fine of RO 1,000 against the owner of a building (whether residential, commercial, touristic or industrial) found to be the source of sewage or other unsuitable discharge that flows onto public roads, neighbouring homes or other plots. Again, the owner in question will be given 24 hours to address the leak, failing which the stipulated fine shall be imposed.