Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the penalty for littering in Fiji will remain at $40, regardless of whether the offense involves dumping a car, a refrigerator, or a plastic bag. During a session in Parliament, Rabuka emphasized that the government is in the process of reviewing and amending the Litter Act of 2008.
He highlighted that corporations found guilty of littering could face a penalty of $2,000, regardless of the type or amount of waste deposited. Rabuka pointed out that current fines are inadequate for addressing serious environmental violations and noted that the Litter Act currently offers a vague definition of public places, making enforcement challenging.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the Ministry of Environment is working hard to enhance enforcement measures, which he identified as a key issue. He clarified that the problem lies not with the legislation itself but with the enforcement of its provisions. Rabuka acknowledged the Ministry’s recognition of the existing shortcomings in the Litter Act and the importance of strengthening enforcement and implementation through the ongoing review process.