Cabinet approved initiatives to reinforce by-laws
CABINET has approved “On the Spot Fine” effective as of 1st May.
Attorney General John Muria Jnr confirmed this in a press conference at the new national stadium on Friday.
He said instructions have been sent to his office for amendment to the Honiara City Council Act to enable them to exercise the power to enforce on the spot fine.
He said this is among other initiatives the Cabinet has approved to assist HCC to reinforce the existing bylaws to counter litter in the city leading up to the games in November.
He said this initiative was taken into action following discussion with the HCC, Home Affairs, National Hosting Authority, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Games Organizing Committee.
He said other initiatives include an increase in fines. For example, every business has an obligation to look after their area within seven meters from their door to ensure it is clean.
“Now if you allow anyone to sell betel nut, the penalties will be increased and at the same time, business licenses can also be deregistered. This means they have to apply back to re-register their business license,” he said.
Another initiative also approved by the Cabinet is registration of bus drivers, conductors and taxi drivers. Each of them will have their license displayed. This only applies to certain vehicles that they applied for like buses and taxis.
“When you see a bus driver throwing rubbish and if we impose a fine, the owner of the bus will be fined so as the driver and conductor will have their license deregistered.
He said these are the things the cabinet has approved and his office will work on and implement the new ordinance as of 1st May.
Special Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmy Rodgers adds that currently the HCC has existing by-laws but lacks the capability to enforce them.
He said the legal instrument is there but the enforcement capacity is not there.
In 2015, the HCC under the leadership of Alfrence Fatai re-introduced the seven meters by-law but to date it is ineffective.
Under the seven meter by-law, anyone found guilty of breaching it will be penalized and the fine will be $10,000 on the spot.
BY CHARLES KADAMANA
