Residents of Pacific Harbour are expressing their dissatisfaction with the declining condition of the beachfront, which has become cluttered with litter and broken bottles following the festive season. Local property owner Rohini Latchman, whose estate is adjacent to the beach, shared her concerns and took reporters on a tour of the area to highlight the severity of the issue.
The beach is now marred by a mix of rubbish, including cartons, plastic bottles, and shards of glass, forming unsightly heaps left behind by holiday visitors. “People have been coming to this beach since Boxing Day and leaving their rubbish behind,” Latchman noted. Her description of the area revealed a concerning lack of environmental consciousness, as the waste could easily be swept into the ocean by rising tides.
Latchman emphasized the need for a cultural shift, remarking on the apparent irresponsibility of certain beachgoers, many of whom seem to be visitors from outside the local community. Despite promises of increased police patrols from Pacific Harbour authorities, she has observed little improvement in the situation.
She calls on the Lami Town Council and the government to intervene with long-term solutions to prevent this issue from recurring each year. “This shouldn’t be normal every year when the celebrations come around. We need a change, and we need it now,” Latchman stated.
The matter has raised questions around the accountability for beach clean-ups and has led to calls for stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws to protect the environment and maintain Pacific Harbour’s status as a pristine tourist location. Although the Fiji Times reached out to the Lami Town Council for their perspective, inquiries made weeks ago have gone unanswered.
In summary, the situation reflects a growing concern among Pacific Harbour residents about environmental responsibility and accountability regarding the upkeep of public spaces. The community’s proactive stance indicates a desire for positive change, with hopes that local authorities will take action to protect their beautiful beachfront and enhance its appeal for both residents and visitors alike. This issue serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship during festive times and encourages everyone to play their part in keeping shared spaces clean.
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