Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor for Blue Prosperity Fiji, has stated that Labasa cannot thrive as a tourism destination due to poor waste management practices. He highlighted the issue of improper disposal of plastic waste, which takes years to decompose, resulting in unsightly and unhealthy conditions that detract from Labasa’s attractiveness to tourists.
Speaking at a workshop held by the Wildlife Conservation Society, Dr. Veitayaki also noted the negative impact of burning forests and sugarcane fields, which not only causes air pollution but also diminishes the town’s natural beauty and habitats. He emphasized the urgent need for improved waste management systems and tighter regulations regarding land use to combat these issues.
In response to the concerns raised, Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, announced the installation of new rubbish bins around the town, designed to encourage the public to dispose of waste properly. Mr. Ligairi expressed hope that this initiative would help mitigate the challenges associated with improper waste disposal.