The Sigatoka Town Council has been proactive in combating littering by utilizing security cameras installed three years ago, which have successfully captured offenders in the act of littering. Adish Naidu, the council’s special administrator, emphasized that while they await more effective legislative measures to increase fines, the presence of these cameras has proven to be a significant deterrent.
Every morning, council workers review the footage to identify litterers. When they do discover individuals who have littered, they make efforts to locate and serve them with an infringement notice. Mr. Naidu reported that approximately 99 percent of those who receive notices comply by paying their fines.
Though the current fines may not be substantial, the town council is committed to improving the cleanliness of the community. Mr. Naidu noted a visible change in behavior among residents, attributing this to the awareness of surveillance in the area. He advocates for higher fines as a more effective deterrent and has submitted proposals for policy changes to strengthen penalties.
Under the Litter Act of 2008, the fine for littering in public spaces stands at $40, which Mr. Naidu believes is insufficient in significantly deterring such behavior.
This initiative underscores a growing awareness and responsibility towards public cleanliness, reflecting a community that is gradually shifting its attitude against littering. With potential policy changes on the horizon, there is hope for a cleaner and more environmentally conscious Sigatoka in the near future.
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