A cleanup campaign along Koronivia Road in Nausori resulted in the collection of 596 kilograms of general waste and recyclables. This initiative was organized by the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) in collaboration with Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited (WRFL), Malhana Cloud Kitchen, the Koronivia Business Council (KBC), and local residents on Friday.
The area has faced considerable issues with waste being irresponsibly discarded along the roadside and in drains, posing risks to both the environment and public health. The cleanup began at the Koronivia Roundabout and continued to the Shiv Krish Temple on Kabutri Drive.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder of PRF, stressed the need for collective accountability in waste management. He noted, “The amount of waste we collected in just two hours highlights the urgent need for everyone to move away from the throwaway culture and take responsibility for their waste. We must all commit to keeping Koronivia clean and green for future generations.”
The cleanup revealed a concerning quantity of household waste and recyclables, including baby diapers, PET bottles, construction debris, beer bottles and cans, takeaway food containers, clothing, razors, and cartons filled with unused items. Many of these items were found clogging drains after recent grass-cutting by the Fiji Roads Authority along the roadway.
Deo mentioned that some waste had to be left behind because the team could not access the soggy drains due to safety risks posed by hazardous objects that could harm volunteers.
The collected waste comprised 500 kilograms of general waste, 60 kilograms of PET bottles, and 36 kilograms of aluminum cans, which points to a worrying increase in waste disposal in the area compared to previous cleanup efforts. This reflects a concerning lack of accountability among both travelers and residents.
“This is not just about cleaning up waste; it’s about changing mindsets. We call on every individual to reflect on their habits and make conscious choices that support our environment,” Deo added.
PRF also expressed gratitude to the Fiji Police Force for their assistance in facilitating safety and traffic flow during the campaign.