4,265 drivers fined Dh2.1m for littering on RAK public roads

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4,265 drivers fined Dh2.1m for littering on RAK public roads
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Ras Al Khaimah - Official statistics show that fines up to Dh 2,132,500 were collected in 2015 against anti-environment violations.

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Published: Mon 25 Jan 2016, 1:46 PM

Last updated: Wed 27 Jan 2016, 9:07 AM

A piece of paper may cost you up to Dh500 if you dump it on any public road, park, beach, or tourist sight in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Last year this fact was ignored by up to 5,008 people here - including 4,265 drivers -and were ordered to pay Dh500 each.
Official statistics show that fines up to Dh 2,132,500 were collected in 2015 against anti-environment violations. On top of those were reckless drivers who were caught littering at the wheel on public roads.
Eng Ahmed Al Hammadi, Director General of the Department of Public Works and Services in Ras Al Khaimah, said his 'Raqib' or 'Monitor' inspectors and patrols are watching over every nook and cranny of the emirate day and night.
"The emirate saw a significant jump of 150 percent in the number of environment violations last year in comparison to 2014, and that is mainly due to the more inspectors and patrols deployed," he said.
Staff inspectors, increased from only 17 in 2014 to 38 in 2015, spotted 5,008 anti-environment breaches in 2015, he added. "These are 2,386 more than the 2,622 eco-violations recorded in 2014."
Eng Hammadi said though staff inspectors are monitoring nine main regions across the emirate, they gave more attention to 'hot spots' where littering and most anti-environment were recorded. "These included public roads, parks, beaches and tourist sights."
Ahmed Al Shehi, Head of Public Works at the department, said they fined 368 people for dumping wastes at seas of the Islamic Institute and Al Muairidh area. "Those are added to 159 who left their wastes on green areas at the Corniche Al Qawasim."
Some 98 anti-environment violations were also spotted at the Jais Mountain whereas 20 people were fined for ignoring public cleanliness at the camping areas on the Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed road, he added.
"Raqib inspectors also nabbed 98 people for excessive fishing at the RAK Creek," Al Shehi stated, noting that some of these individuals were fishing shellfish which is banned by law.
Sulaiman Al Mahi, a Sudanese national, told Khaleej Times that he and his family used to have hard time with some people recklessly leaving wastes behind everywhere, particularly at the beach and in public parks.
"Now, the situation is completely different with so many Raqib inspectors who keep an eye on all parts of the emirate and put an end to such illegal and irresponsible practices," he said.
Jordanian expat Adnan Ukasha said he was constantly upset when he encountered some drivers dumping wastes out of their vehicles. "This is no more with the hefty fines and stringent inspection day and night everywhere."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


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