Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the urgent need to enhance the enforcement and implementation of the Litter Act 2008, advocating for a comprehensive review of the legislation.
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, Mr. Rabuka highlighted the importance of protecting Fiji’s islands and unique ecosystems, acknowledging that many individuals have “bad habits” contributing to littering. He reflected on his travels to China and Japan, where he observed the cleanliness of their roads and surroundings. He pointed out that the current penalties for littering are ineffective, stating, “The fine is $40, whether you dump a car, dump a fridge or a plastic bag and get prosecuted, it’s $40.”
Mr. Rabuka noted that the Ministry has been actively working to strengthen enforcement, which he identified as a crucial issue. He mentioned that there have been 18 training workshops for both public and non-public authorities in Fiji, resulting in the training and appointment of 598 litter prevention officers.
In 2019, during the FijiFirst government, all 14 provinces sent provincial conservation officers and litter enforcement officers for training under the Litter Act of 2008. Mr. Rabuka announced that a training plan is currently being developed for new litter prevention officers in this fiscal year.
Despite these advancements, Mr. Rabuka admitted that the Litter Act is outdated, lacking necessary definitions and distinctions that could facilitate effective policing and enforcement. He stated that consultations are underway to prepare a review of the Act for Cabinet, acknowledging the existing gaps in the Litter Act 2008 and its amendment in 2010.