Panama litterbugs to be targeted

The growing incidence of floods in Panama City aided by garbage thrown into streets and gutters has moved the city to action.

People  found throwing litter in the streets, sidewalks or creeks will have to pay a fine or do community work, according to Panama City officials.

An advisor to Mayor  Bosco Vallarino, who had the job of controling  the city’s garbage taken away from him, said that a decree has been issued establishing fines starting at $10 or eight hours of community service for violators. The maximum fine is $5,000, but repeat offenders could be fined as much as $10,000.

Similar campaigns in other jurisdictions have started with fines in escess of $100 dor the first offence, including gum wrappers and cigaretter buts.

Jaime Barroso said that police are planning to crack down on these violations, as garbage being thrown into streets and gutters has caused a number of problems, such as flooding.

Barroso said that the law has been pretty much ignored the city’s litterbugs so far, but that will change.

"No one will escape," he said.

The government is also planning an advertising campaign to combat littering.