Waste from Labasa Town has been washing up on the shores of Mali Island, as reported by local representative Tema Bui. Over the past few weeks, there has been a noticeable rise in litter, including plastics, metals, and various debris reaching Mali.
Ms. Bui expressed concern about the island’s shoreline, which was once celebrated for its cleanliness but has recently become cluttered with improperly disposed waste from Labasa Town. She pointed out that nearby mangrove swamps are being utilized as informal dumping grounds, further exacerbating the pollution issue. This accumulation of discarded materials is harming the mangrove roots and endangering local wildlife.
Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor for Blue Prosperity Fiji, explained that ocean currents can transport waste far from its original location. He noted that while communities upstream may not initially experience the problem, the waste eventually makes its way downstream, ultimately reaching the river mouth. From there, tides can carry it out to sea, but winds and currents often bring it back to shore.
Mr. Veitayaki condemned public littering as both unnecessary and unacceptable.