Amitesh Deo, the chief executive of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, has stated that waste management should be a shared responsibility among all citizens. This remark followed a cleanup campaign on Friday along Koronivia Road in Nausori, where volunteers collected a total of 596 kilograms of general waste and recyclables.
The cleanup was organized by the Pacific Recycling Foundation in collaboration with Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, Malhana Cloud Kitchen, and the Koronivia Business Council, involving local residents. The initiative commenced at the Koronivia Roundabout and progressed to the Shiv Krish Temple on Kabutri Drive, an area notorious for excessive littering that poses risks to both the environment and public health.
Deo emphasized the necessity for collective action, stating, “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 considerable amount of litter, including household waste, baby diapers, PET bottles, construction debris, beer bottles and cans, takeaway containers, clothing, razors, and boxes filled with unused items, many of which were found clogging drains following recent maintenance by the Fiji Roads Authority.
Unfortunately, Deo noted that some waste had to be left behind due to access issues with the soggy drains, which posed risks of injury from sharp objects. Volunteers collected 500 kilograms of general waste, 60 kilograms of PET bottles, and 36 kilograms of aluminum cans, reflecting a worrying increase in waste disposal in the area compared to previous cleanups and indicating a significant lack of accountability among both residents and travelers.
“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 urged. He also expressed gratitude to the Fiji Police Force for their support in ensuring safety and smooth traffic flow during the cleanup event.