Residents of Pacific Harbour are expressing their dissatisfaction with the deteriorating conditions of the local beachfront, which has become cluttered with trash and broken glass following the festive season. Local property owner Rohini Latchman has taken the initiative to highlight this issue, inviting the media to witness the extent of the problem along the shore.
Ms. Latchman described a troubling sight of discarded cartons, plastic bottles, and shattered glass littering the sand, remnants of holiday festivities. She emphasized an alarming trend, noting that many visitors have been frequenting the beach since Boxing Day, contributing significantly to the debris left behind.
The environmental consequences of such negligence were underscored by Ms. Latchman, who pointed out that the tide often washes this waste into the ocean. She expressed concern about the lack of accountability among beachgoers, stating, “There is no sense of responsibility. People don’t feel compelled to care about the cleanliness, let alone the environmental consequences of their actions.” Notably, she observed that many of the offenders seem to be visitors from outside the Pacific Harbour area.
In light of the situation, despite reassurances from local police about increased patrols, Ms. Latchman reported minimal impact in curbing the litter problem. She is now calling upon the Lami Town Council and the government to intervene and establish long-term strategies to address this recurring issue. “This shouldn’t be normal every year when the celebrations come around. We need a change, and we need it now,” she insisted.
The frustration among residents has sparked discussions about the responsibility for beach clean-ups and the necessity of stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws, crucial for maintaining both the environment and Pacific Harbour’s image as an attractive tourist destination. The Fiji Times has reached out to the Lami Town Council for comments on this pressing matter, yet inquiries made weeks ago prior to the escalation remain unanswered.
As the community rallies for action, there is hope that increased awareness and engagement can lead to a cleaner, safer beach environment in Pacific Harbour for both residents and visitors alike. Taking steps towards responsible tourism and community involvement could foster a more sustainable approach to preserving this beautiful locale.
In summary, the situation highlights a pressing need for collective responsibility and action to ensure that Pacific Harbour maintains its reputation as a pristine tourist destination while protecting its environment from pollution and littering.
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