Fiji’s Waste Crisis: Are Rural Leaders Ready to Step Up?

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua has strongly advocated for implementing waste audits in Fiji’s rural and maritime communities due to a concerning increase in waste production. Her remarks highlight an urgent need for responsibility and accountability, particularly among traditional leaders in these areas.

Qereqeretabua emphasized the importance of incorporating rural development and itaukei affairs into discussions on waste management. She remarked, “When there’s a next bose ni yasana (provincial council meeting), it’s imperative that village leadership is reminded to prioritize waste management,” underscoring the necessity for collective engagement with government policies.

During her regular visits to Kadavu, Qereqeretabua has witnessed the growing waste issue in rural regions. She identified that diaper waste and PET bottles are likely to become significant contributors to the problem based on initial assessments. “We need to conduct rubbish audits in rural areas to understand the scale of this issue,” she remarked, stressing that personal responsibility is vital to tackle the waste crisis, regardless of location.

Her concerns resonate with previous discussions emphasizing the need to rekindle civic pride among citizens. In earlier statements, she lamented the community’s apathy towards proper waste disposal and advocated that neglecting waste management cannot be normalized. Former community leaders have highlighted that today’s citizens must adopt a culture of accountability reminiscent of past generations.

Despite the challenges posed by increasing waste, there is hope. Initiatives centered on community engagement and education could lead to a transformation in attitudes towards waste disposal. Engaging young people and promoting awareness campaigns will be crucial for fostering a cultural shift that prioritizes environmental stewardship in Fiji.

With collective action and a shared commitment, the vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future in Fiji remains within reach. By coming together, communities can ensure the preservation of the nation’s natural beauty for future generations.