VietNamNet Bridge – The central city will penalise persons for littering on beaches as a pilot plan to improve civic behaviour in public places and promote a clean and safe environment this year.

My Khe beach is one of the most favourite beach in central Da Nang City. The city has launched a plan to fine for littering at public place, beaches and living quarters as a pilot project from July to September. -- VNS Cong Thanh

As per the plan, warnings or fines of VND50,000 to VND100,000 (US$2.4- $4.8) will be issued for dropping cigarette butts or ash on beaches or in no-smoking areas.

People who throw rubbish outside dustbins or in places where trashcans are not available, will be fined VND100,0000 to VND200,000 ($9.5).

Illegal peeing or defecation in public places, including residential areas, trade and service centres as well as pavements will invite fines of VND200,000 ($9.5) to VND300,000 ($14.3).

Vice-Director of the city's culture, sport and tourism department Tran Chi Cuong told Viet Nam News that the plan would be implemented from July to September, with the participation of different forces at tourism hubs in Ngu Hanh Son and Son Tra districts.

"The city has increased education and information dissemination among local people to raise awareness of environment protection and tourism hubs. We just warn local residents, restaurant owners and tourists against their inappropriate actions rather than giving punishment," Cuong said.

"The education and communication programme was launched in June and the decision to impose penalties came its effect from this month (July 15)," he said.

Cuong said the decision was part of efforts to promote a better lifestyle and good manners among the local people and tourists as well as to boost tourism.

Acting Chairman of Son Tra District's People's committee Tran Thi Thanh Tam said the decision to impose fines aimed to improve awareness of the local people or visitors about the public environment and to curb bad behaviour.

"The district has one of the most favourite beaches, the My Khe beach, and it's very important to keep the beach clean and clear of rubbish. We emphasise not the amount of money we should collect as fines, but the change of habits and bad behaviour and the prevention of littering," Tam said.

"We saw a major change among local residents after a two-month education and communication campaign, before we decided on imposing fines," she said, adding that public toilets were available along the public beaches along Vo Nguyen Giap, Hoang Sa and Truong Sa streets.

She said she hoped the fine would be imposed in different districts and public places in the city.

Cuong said the city planned to build standard public toilets along the walkway of the River Han River on Bach Dang Street, along with wi-fi services and ATM machines.

He said about 70 hotels, guest houses, coffee shops and restaurants in Hai Chau districts had agreed to provide free restrooms to tourists, which would have ‘Comfort as home' stickers on their doors.

"The campaign was introduced in the district, which is home to crowded tourist destinations, in collaboration between the department's tourism promotion centre and the district's business association," Cuong said.

"The city will call for more participation by businesses, and hotel and restaurant owners in providing utilities for tourists visiting the city as good public behaviour attracts more tourists to the city," he said.

The central city attracted two million tourists in the first six months this year, of which 600,000 were foreigners, a 25 per cent growth year-on-year.

VNS