Fiji is poised to enhance its waste management system thanks to a significant $FJD12.5 million grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The agreement for this funding was formalized in Suva between JICA representatives and the Ministry of Local Government.
The grant will facilitate the acquisition of vital waste management equipment, including dump trucks, compactor trucks, bulldozers, and excavators. Minister Maciu Nalumisa recognized that waste management poses challenges for municipal councils, particularly impacting service delivery in smaller councils. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We need to teach our children and communities the basics; simply putting rubbish in the proper bins is a good start.” Nalumisa highlighted that maintaining a clean Fiji is a collective responsibility that requires the participation of the entire nation.
This initiative is part of Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme (ESDP), designed to support environmental efforts in Fiji. Isami Takada, Japan’s Deputy Head of Mission, expressed hope that the new equipment will effectively contribute to cleaner communities and enhance the working lives of people across the country. He assured continued collaboration between Japan and Fiji as trusted partners.
JICA’s Resident Representative, Yumi Kimura, noted that the equipment from this grant is aimed at bolstering Fiji’s environmental protection initiatives. Since 2008, JICA has played a vital role in supporting Fiji’s waste management through various technical projects, with the upcoming equipment set to improve waste collection efforts and environmental safety significantly. The development of the Western Division landfill is expected to serve as a model for best practices in waste management.
Ultimately, this grant represents a crucial step towards strengthening Fiji’s waste management capacity and towards fostering a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all its citizens.
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