Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed the Government is moving ahead with amendments to Fiji’s Litter Act and accompanying regulations, saying the changes are in the final drafting stage and will be tabled in Parliament once completed.
Speaking at the VAKA Forum in Suva, Mr Rabuka said the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has developed the proposed reforms and is finalising legal wording. The changes, he said, are intended to modernise enforcement, introduce tougher penalties for illegal dumping and strengthen environmental governance by centralising control and reinforcing accountability across agencies.
“Protecting the environment is a shared national responsibility, the need for compliance from both businesses and communities,” Mr Rabuka told forum attendees, stressing that stronger laws must be matched by on-the-ground cooperation. He also underlined the importance of working with civil society, community groups and grassroots recyclers, saying: “Many of the most practical and durable solutions have emerged directly from our own community.”
The Prime Minister framed the reforms as part of a broader effort to protect ecosystems and public health and to reduce waste through more responsible practices. He added the updated legal framework will better align Fiji with international obligations, citing commitments under the Paris Agreement as well as global conventions on biodiversity and hazardous waste.
The announcement builds on recent enforcement and capacity‑building measures led by the Environment Ministry. In January the ministry outlined a programme to train more than 500 Litter Prevention Officers nationwide by June 2026 to strengthen local enforcement under the Litter Act 2008. Permanent Secretary Sivendra Michael previously noted batches of officers from government agencies, including the Fiji Police Force and the Land Transport Authority, had already completed training as part of that effort.
Environmental advocates and community groups have long pushed for stronger deterrents against illegal dumping and clearer responsibilities for businesses. The Government’s move to centralise aspects of waste governance signals a shift towards a more coordinated regulatory approach, but Mr Rabuka acknowledged that legislation alone will not solve Fiji’s waste challenges. He reiterated that success will depend on partnerships with grassroots recyclers and civil society actors who deliver practical, community-level solutions.
The next formal step will be the completion of the final draft of the amendments and supporting regulations before tabling in Parliament. Mr Rabuka did not provide a specific timetable for tabling or parliamentary consideration, but his confirmation that drafting is in its final phase sets the stage for legislative debate and potential changes to enforcement practices nationwide.
Leave a comment