Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the fine for littering, whether it involves dumping a car, a refrigerator, or a plastic bag, is set at $40. Speaking in Parliament, Rabuka indicated that the government is in the process of reviewing and amending the Litter Act of 2008.
He noted that if a corporate entity is caught committing littering offenses, the penalty would be $2,000, regardless of the type or amount of litter involved. Rabuka emphasized that this fine is grossly inadequate for serious environmental violations. He pointed out that the Litter Act currently has a vague definition of public spaces, and the boundaries for litter enforcement are not clearly defined.
Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned that the Ministry of Environment is actively working on improving enforcement measures, which is crucial for addressing littering issues. He stated that the real challenge lies not in the Act itself, but in its enforcement. The Ministry recognizes the existing shortcomings in the Litter Act of 2008 and its 2010 amendment, and there is a clear need to enhance enforcement and implementation through the upcoming review.