$200 TALA FINE FOR LITTERING IN PUBLIC AREA
Rubbish At Tafaigata Land Fill
Photo: Eyespy Radio 87.5 FM / Anetone Sagaga
The Samoa Police in partnership with the Samoa Tourism Authority
(S.T.A) , are reminding the public that littering is a crime and
individuals who are caught committing this crime, will be slapped with
a $200 tala fine by the authorities.
"What saddens me most is that tourists who are entering Samoa and
admiring its beauty are being greeted with plastics and rubbish in the
streets of Apia" stated Police Sgt Fa'alogo Kapelilele Fa'alogo during
this radio station's "Morning Show" on Tuesday this week.
"It's sad to think that a minority group of people think it's fine to
throw rubbish on the side of the road , on beaches, greenspaces,
district centres and just anywhere that's a public area for people"
said the Sergeant.
"This approach is not new at all and a direct and proactive response
to the feedback we’ve received from tourists entering Samoa,
especially the ones travelling on cruise ships who spend thousands of
dollars just to set foot for a few hours in our paradise is not taken
lightly" stated the Principal PR and Communications Officer of S.T.A
Taimalelagi Tutuila Tafua.
Penalty notices have been announced by the authorities for dropping
litter of any kind, including sweet wrappers, chips packets, chewing
gum, cigarette butts and any discarded items from vehicles and will be
fined SAT$200 for the act.
"No one has been imprisoned for the act, but we are urging the public
to adhere to this announcement , let's make Samoa beautiful
again"stated the police officer.
"Not only littering but stranded pets such as dogs are seen in
concerning numbers roming town , possible threats to tourists in town.
Please refer to the authorities that have been allocated so you can
register and look after the needs of your pets" concluded the
sergeant.
Tracy Wong Ling, Warren Manager Policy & Sector Coordination for Samoa
Tourism, has stated that a Industry Meeting is currently happening for
both Upolu and Savaii to address issues that can further develop
Samoa's tourism.
"The meeting included constructive development and feedback from
various individuals from all over Samoa , to further boost and bring
back Samoa to what it was during pre covid" she said.