Labasa’s potential as a tourism destination is hindered by inadequate waste disposal practices, according to Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor for Blue Prosperity Fiji. He highlighted that significant amounts of waste, particularly plastics, are not disposed of correctly.
These plastics can take years to decompose, resulting in unattractive and unhygienic conditions that detract from Labasa’s charm for prospective tourists. During a workshop organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society, Dr. Veitayaki also pointed out the adverse effects of unnecessary burning of forests and sugarcane fields.
He noted that such burning not only contributes to air pollution but also destroys natural habitats and diminishes the town’s visual appeal. The frequent burning releases harmful emissions into the surrounding environment. Dr. Veitayaki emphasized the necessity for improved waste management systems and stricter land use regulations to tackle these issues effectively.
In response to these concerns, Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, mentioned that new rubbish bins have been installed around the town to encourage proper waste disposal and alleviate the problem of littering.