Labasa is struggling to establish itself as a tourism destination due to inadequate waste disposal practices, according to Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor for Blue Prosperity Fiji. He highlighted that significant amounts of waste, especially plastics, are not being managed appropriately.
“These plastics take years to decompose, leading to unpleasant and unsanitary environments that deter potential tourists from visiting Labasa,” Dr. Veitayaki stated during a workshop organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society. He also pointed out that the unnecessary burning of forests and sugarcane fields exacerbates the issue.
“This practice not only results in air pollution but also destroys natural habitats and diminishes the town’s scenic appeal. Moreover, the frequent burning emits harmful substances into the atmosphere,” he added. Dr. Veitayaki emphasized the urgent need for improved waste management systems and stricter regulations on land use to tackle these challenges effectively.
In response to the concerns raised, Labasa Town Council special administrator Samuela Ligairi announced that new rubbish bins have been installed around the town to encourage proper waste disposal. Mr. Ligairi expressed hope that these measures would help mitigate the issue of improper rubbish disposal.