A community clean-up at Saweni Beach in Lautoka on Saturday doubled as a petition drive against a proposed waste-to-energy incinerator, organisers said, as residents and volunteers combined shoreline restoration with a push to protect the foreshore. The dual-purpose event brought together local families, paddlers and school students to tidy the coastline and gather support for safeguarding the area’s environment and recreational value.
Organiser Lee‑Ann Forrest said participants included residents from the Saweni–Vuda corridor, members of the Vuda Paddlers Club and students from the International School in Nadi. “Together, they collected rubbish and tidied the foreshore, filling around 250 bags by the end of the day,” she said, acknowledging the scale of the community effort. The Lautoka City Council assisted by collecting and transporting the waste for proper disposal.
Beyond the physical clean-up, Forrest said a petition table at the event provided a focal point for attendees to learn more about the proposed incinerator and to add their names in support of protecting the coastline and surrounding communities. Organisers described the petition drive as an awareness-raising step aimed at ensuring residents’ voices are heard in any upcoming decisions about major developments in the area.
Despite concerns about the incinerator proposal, Forrest said the atmosphere at Saweni Beach remained upbeat. Children combed the sand for litter, paddlers landed their canoes, and neighbours shared food at a community barbecue, she said, pointing to the strong community spirit on display. “The turnout reflected the pride residents have in Saweni Beach and their commitment to safeguarding it,” Forrest added.
Residents at the event emphasised the increasing value of the coastline for recreation and tourism, arguing that any major developments should be carefully considered to avoid undermining those uses. While the petition numbers and next steps were not disclosed, organisers framed the action as the latest demonstration of local concern and a sign that the community intends to engage in decision-making about their coastline.
The clean-up and petition drive represent a visible local response to the proposed waste‑to‑energy plan. With council support for waste removal and a cross‑section of the community involved, organisers hope the event will both improve the foreshore and amplify resident voices in discussions about the site’s future use.
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