Africa-Press – Rwanda. As Rwanda officially launched vehicle emission testing on Monday, August 25, the Ministry of Justice issued a new ministerial order on air pollutant emissions, outlining fines and penalties for those who fail to comply with the regulations.
Approved by the Cabinet on July 30, the order repealed the previous Ministerial Order of September 2018 on air pollutant emissions.
The order, which came into effect on Monday, set fines ranging from Rwf25,000 to Rwf5 million for various violations related to air pollution control.
These penalties are largely similar to those provided under the 2018 law, but with reinforced enforcement mechanisms.
Non-motorised violators: Any individual (other than a motor vehicle driver) who breaches emission standards will be fined Rwf3,000,000.
Vehicle owners: Failure to comply with emission regulations attracts a fine of Rwf25,000, enforced by the Rwanda National Police.
Unpermitted polluting activities: Businesses or individuals operating without the required permit face fines of Rwf3,000,000.
Violation of compliance orders: Ignoring an air quality compliance order incurs a penalty of Rwf2,000,000.
Defying cessation orders: Refusal to stop polluting activities can result in a maximum fine of Rwf5,000,000.
Failure to meet emergency orders: Non-compliance with emergency prevention measures is punishable by Rwf3,000,000.
Obstructing inspections: Denying access, providing false information, or obstructing environmental inspectors attracts a fine of Rwf500,000.
Failure to report incidents: Not reporting accidental or involuntary emissions within the prescribed time frame results in a fine of Rwf1,000,000.
Beyond monetary sanctions, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the City of Kigali, or district authorities may require violators to repair, remediate, upgrade, or restore sources of pollution.
Persistent non-compliance can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of the polluting activity.
All fines must be paid within seven days of notification to the national environment and climate change fund. Late payments will incur a surcharge of 0.5% per day.
While REMA and local authorities enforce most penalties, the Rwanda National Police retain jurisdiction over emissions from motorised vehicles.
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