Fiji has taken a significant step towards environmentally sustainable waste management by signing a Transaction Advisory Services Agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This agreement aims to facilitate the creation of a new sanitary landfill while also focusing on the rehabilitation of four existing open dumpsites located in the Western Division of the country.
The initiative will be executed by the Ministries of Local Government, and Environment and Climate Change through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that this move is vital in combatting the environmental degradation that has arisen due to insufficient waste management practices. He noted the importance of advancing waste management infrastructure to safeguard Fiji’s rich biodiversity.
Seema Sharma, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, reiterated that the development of a new sanitary landfill and the rehabilitation of current dumpsites is crucial. It aligns with the ministry’s efforts to formulate a national masterplan for urban development. In his remarks, Aaron Batten, ADB’s Regional Director for the Pacific Subregional Office, pointed out the role of PPPs in bringing innovative solutions to improve infrastructural systems, thereby enhancing environmental protection and community health.
The project will involve constructing a sanitary landfill designed with engineered cells and leachate collection systems, as well as rehabilitating open dumpsites in Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba, and Rakiraki. It is also supported by the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy project, which is facilitated by UNDP and UNCDF, drawing funds from the UN Joint SDG Fund and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.
Fiji has only one existing government-managed sanitary landfill, the Naboro landfill, which has been operational since October 2005. This new initiative heralds a transformative moment for waste management in Fiji, promising both environmental improvements and long-term benefits for its communities.
This project underlines a hopeful shift towards sustainable practices that could significantly enhance the living conditions in Fiji while protecting its natural resources. By investing in such critical infrastructure, Fiji is not only seeking to resolve current waste management issues but also setting a precedent for future environmental stewardship.
Leave a comment