Lautoka City Council CEO Mohammed Khan has emphasized the importance of changing user habits and mindsets in the fight against littering in the region. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to waste management, highlighting the necessity of every stakeholder’s active participation in the process. Mr. Khan points out that without a collective effort from businesses, residents, and property owners, the issue of litter will persist.

Khan states, “A significant change in mindset is crucial. The council’s role is to create awareness and promote globally accepted waste management practices, but it ultimately falls to the community to implement these practices.” He underlines the importance of the 3Rs—reducing, reusing, and recycling—as key strategies for minimizing waste. With this focus, he believes that community-level changes can lead to a substantial reduction in the tonnage of waste ending up at the Vunato Rubbish Dump.

The council plans to implement more at-source separation programs, encouraging residents and businesses to sort their waste into compostable materials and recyclables. This initiative aims to not only reduce the volume of waste but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change.

In a similar vein, business owners in Suva have raised concerns over litter in the Central Business District, emphasizing the need for increased public awareness regarding proper waste disposal. Many shopkeepers have been proactive in maintaining cleanliness but face challenges due to littering behaviors by customers and individuals experiencing homelessness. They call for a change in public attitudes towards littering, which they deem essential for fostering a clean and respectful community environment.

As communities confront these challenges, both Khan’s affirmations in Lautoka and the sentiments echoed by Suva’s business owners highlight a crucial turning point. The emphasis is now on cultivating a culture of civic responsibility and pride — a movement that, if embraced widely, can lead to cleaner streets and a healthier environment for all.

With ongoing efforts from local councils and the participation of residents and businesses, there is hope that changes in mindset and behavior will pave the way for a more conscious and clean community, positively impacting the environment and quality of life for everyone involved.