Labasa’s tourism potential is hindered by poor waste disposal practices, according to Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor with Blue Prosperity Fiji. Dr. Veitayaki emphasized that the improper handling of waste, especially plastics, detracts from the area’s attractiveness to tourists. He highlighted that plastics take years to break down, resulting in unappealing and unhygienic conditions.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society, he further noted that the unnecessary burning of forests and sugarcane fields exacerbates the situation. This practice not only contributes to air pollution but also damages local ecosystems and diminishes the town’s visual appeal, releasing harmful emissions in the process.
Dr. Veitayaki stressed the urgent need for improved waste management systems and stricter land-use regulations to effectively tackle these challenges.
In response, Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, mentioned that new rubbish bins have been installed throughout the town to encourage proper waste disposal. He expressed hope that these measures would help mitigate the issues related to waste management.