Littering continues to be a significant concern for Fiji, as highlighted by Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Climate Change, during the launch of a new climate fund at Walu Bay in Suva. He emphasized that despite the Ministry’s ongoing efforts, waste management remains one of the country’s most pressing environmental issues.
Dr. Michael pointed out that improper waste disposal is a criminal offense, yet many Fijians still disregard this law, as evidenced by the actions of residents near the bridge along Fletcher Road in Vatuwaqa. He noted that although designated yellow bins are available at the location, individuals continue to dump their rubbish in the river.
The Permanent Secretary suggested that this behavior might be culturally ingrained, with some Fijians operating under the assumption that proper waste management entails relying on others to dispose of their rubbish. Climate Advocate Mikaele Finau echoed Dr. Michael’s sentiments, arguing that the responsibility for proper waste disposal falls not only on the Ministry but also on the community at large.
In light of these challenges, Finau proposed that the Ministry could consider implementing stricter penalties for littering, emphasizing that such measures would ultimately benefit the environment. He also called for enhanced awareness programs in schools, insisting that educating children about proper waste disposal from a young age is essential for fostering a cleaner future.
By working together and fostering a sense of communal responsibility, Fiji can tackle its littering problem and pave the way for a healthier environment. The hope is that through education and stronger penalties, Fijians will start to view waste disposal as a shared responsibility rather than a chore left to others.
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