Rwanda is a very clean country. Its cleanliness is one of the many things that impress visitors, especially those who come from other countries. 

It is therefore safe to say that the government and the people of Rwanda have been doing well in upholding Article 49of Rwandan constitution which says that every person has the "Right and duty to a clean and healthy environment and the duty to protect it.”

If you ever step on grass in the pavements, even if it is by accident, people will be quick to reprimand you. They are doing their duty of protecting the environment of the country. At the same time, there are different punishments for people who destroy the environment.

For example, article389 of the penal code explains the punishment given to people who pour or throw things into water sources.

It says, "Any person who throws, pours or flows in the surface or underground waters, directly or indirectly one or several substances likely to harm health or environment, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of one (1) month to three (3) months and a fine of five hundred thousand (500,000) to five million (5,000,000) Rwandan francs or one of these penalties.”

Article 423 of the penal code talks about the punishment given to those who throw rubbish carelessly.

It states, "Any person who unlawfully and without authorization dumps waste which require prior authorization shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six (6) months to two (2) years and a fine of one million (1.000.000) to five million (5,000,000) Rwandan francs or one of these penalties.”

Article 423 further says that any person who knowingly dumps toxic waste in an unauthorized place, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of two (2) years to five (5) years and a fine of two million (2,000,000) to ten million (10,000,000) Rwandan francs.

Toxic waste can include soda cans, polythene bags and waste from industries. These toxic products are not just harmful to the trees and water but they can also cause diseases to people.

That is why article 423, paragraph three of the penal code says that if dumping of toxic waste in an unauthorized place results in disability or disease, the offender shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of seven (7) years to ten (10) years. If dumping of toxic waste in an unauthorized place results in death, the offender shall beliable to life imprisonment.

Keep Rwanda clean for your sake and the sake of other people.