Plans are underway to establish a new sanitary landfill in Fiji’s Western Division while also rehabilitating waste dumpsites in Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba, and Rakiraki. This initiative has been made possible through a recently signed agreement between the Government of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank.

Seema Sharma, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, emphasized the importance of this project for urban development and the well-being of local communities. “The development of a new sanitary landfill in the Western Division and the rehabilitation of dumpsites in Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba, and Rakiraki are essential from both a township and urban development perspective,” she stated.

Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the project’s environmental importance. He noted, “Proactively investing in waste management infrastructure is critical to protecting and preserving Fiji’s rich biodiversity.” This initiative aims to make substantial progress in combating environmental degradation stemming from insufficient waste management practices.

The agreement’s signing signifies the start of a collaborative endeavor to tackle Fiji’s waste management issues, promote sustainable urban growth, and protect the environment for future generations. This development is a hopeful step towards enhancing the nation’s waste management framework and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for all residents.

In summary, this initiative not only addresses immediate waste management challenges but also aligns with broader environmental goals, thanks to the cooperation between the Government of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank.