Fines Up to One Million Birr for Negligence in Polluting Water-Rich Areas – Addis Ababa Administration

"Negligence in water-rich areas can lead to fines of up to one million Birr."

The Addis Ababa City Administration's law enforcement authority has announced that individuals or entities found negligent in protecting rivers and riverbanks from pollution will face fines. The minimum fine is 2,000 Birr, while the maximum can reach up to one million Birr, according to Mr. Yemishrat Gerema, the authority's communication director, in an interview with Bsrat Radio and Television.

A company that disposes of hazardous dry or liquid waste near riverbanks will be fined one million Birr. Individuals caught dumping dry or liquid waste directly into rivers will be fined 500,000 Birr, while those found disposing of waste near riverbanks without a permit will be fined 100,000 Birr. Cleaning near riverbanks and surrounding areas will incur a fine of 2,000 Birr, and washing vehicles near rivers without proper liquid waste treatment will result in a 400,000 Birr fine. Additionally, grazing or herding animals beyond permitted areas and driving vehicles in restricted zones will lead to a 30,000 Birr fine.

Constructing buildings for entertainment, relaxation, or other purposes beyond permitted limits will result in a 200,000 Birr fine. Releasing untreated waste from manufacturing or service-providing institutions will incur a 300,000 Birr fine. Individuals or entities disposing of chemical waste without proper treatment methods will be fined 50,000 Birr (for individuals) or 300,000 Birr (for organizations). Dumping any type of liquid waste outside approved storage areas will result in a 50,000 Birr fine for individuals and 400,000 Birr for organizations. Disposing of vegetable and fruit waste near riverbanks will lead to a 20,000 Birr fine for individuals and 100,000 Birr for organizations.

Furthermore, disposing of oil, greasy liquids, motor oil, fuel, soap, or similar substances near riverbanks will result in a 400,000 Birr fine. Releasing any untreated waste into rivers will incur a 150,000 Birr fine for individuals and 300,000 Birr for organizations. Disposing of untreated waste into rivers without a permit will lead to a 15,000 Birr fine for individuals and 40,000 Birr for organizations, Mr. Yemishrat Gerema added in his interview with Bsrat Radio and Television.