A cleanup initiative along Koronivia Road in Nausori resulted in the collection of 596 kilograms of general waste and recyclables. The campaign 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.
This area has faced ongoing issues with significant amounts of waste being improperly discarded along the roadside and in drains, posing risks to both the environment and public health.
The cleanup process began at the Koronivia Roundabout and continued to the Shiv Krish Temple on Kabutri Drive. Amitesh Deo, the founder of PRF, stressed the importance of a shared responsibility in managing waste.
“The volume of waste we gathered within just two hours underscores the urgent necessity for everyone to step away from a throwaway culture and take charge of their waste. We all need to pledge to maintain Koronivia’s cleanliness and environmental health for future generations,” he remarked.
The cleanup revealed a considerable amount of household waste and recyclable materials, including baby diapers, PET bottles, construction debris, beer bottles, cans, takeaway food containers, clothing, razors, and boxes filled with unused items. Many of these were found obstructing drains after recent grass-cutting efforts by the Fiji Roads Authority.
Deo noted the unfortunate reality that some waste was left behind because their teams could not safely access the inundated drains due to the risks posed by hazardous objects that could injure the volunteers.
Of the total waste collected, 500 kilograms was general waste, 60 kilograms consisted of PET bottles, and 36 kilograms were aluminum cans. Deo pointed out that this amount indicates a rise in waste disposal in the area compared to earlier cleanup efforts, highlighting a concerning lack of accountability among both residents and visitors.
“This initiative is not solely about waste removal; it’s also about shifting mindsets. We urge everyone to reconsider their habits and make deliberate choices that benefit our environment,” he said.
PRF expressed gratitude to the Fiji Police Force for assisting in maintaining safety and ensuring smooth traffic flow during the cleanup event.