Residents of Pacific Harbour are expressing their growing frustration over the alarming state of their beachfront, which has become cluttered with trash and broken bottles, particularly following the recent festive season. Local property owner Rohini Latchman, whose estate overlooks the beach, has taken it upon herself to draw attention to the issue, personally leading a tour for media representatives to showcase the extensive littering.
The beachfront scene is disheartening, with cartons, plastic bottles, broken glass, and various other forms of waste littering the sand, leftovers from holiday revelers. Ms. Latchman noted, “People have been coming to this beach since Boxing Day and leaving their rubbish behind.” She further elaborated on the environment implications, warning that rising tides are washing much of this waste into the ocean, creating potential ecological hazards.
According to Ms. Latchman, a significant number of offenders appear to be visitors from outside the community. “Throughout this week, we’ve had to deal with people sitting right in front of my house and leaving behind huge piles of rubbish,” she commented, reflecting the ongoing struggle of residents to maintain the beauty of their surroundings.
Despite assurances from Pacific Harbour police about increasing patrols, local residents, including Ms. Latchman, feel that these measures have been insufficient in curtailing the littering problem. She is urging the Lami Town Council and the government to take decisive action, asking, “This shouldn’t be normal every year when the celebrations come around. We need a change, and we need it now.”
This plight has prompted community discussions about the accountability for beach clean-ups and has led to calls for more rigorous enforcement of anti-littering laws to help preserve the area’s environment and maintain Pacific Harbour’s reputation as a prime tourist destination. The Fiji Times has reached out to the Lami Town Council about these concerns, but inquiries made weeks prior to this situation escalating remain unanswered.
In summary, the residents of Pacific Harbour are calling for immediate attention to the cleanliness of their beach following a large influx of trash after the festive season. They are specifically urging local authorities for stronger action to prevent this from being a recurring issue.
Positively, this situation has sparked community awareness and dialogue around environmental responsibility, which could lead to more sustainable practices and better support for local initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty of Pacific Harbour. The resolve of local residents signals a collective desire for change, which can ultimately foster a more responsible tourist culture and a cleaner, healthier environment.
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