Trash booms recently installed in Nasinu have proven to be effective in capturing significant amounts of waste, underscoring the critical issue of illegal dumping and the pressing need for improved waste management strategies. Since their implementation in April 2024, these booms have highlighted the urgent environmental challenges faced by the community.
Felix Magnus, CEO of the Nasinu Town Council, reported that the initial trash boom trialed at the Moala settlement in Nadera revealed startling quantities of rubbish flowing into local drains and waterways. Community manager Tevita Tawake noted that the collected waste amounted to an average of 1.2 tonnes per month, with plastics constituting a staggering 80 percent of this total. Tawake emphasized the severity of the problem, sharing that the team frequently retrieved bags filled with plastic waste.
The efficacy of the trash booms became even more apparent during heavy rainfall in October, when they captured larger household debris, such as old refrigerators, tree trunks, and branches. This influx of waste necessitated modifications to the catchment system to maintain its operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, efforts are underway to expand the installation of trash booms to four additional sites in the Nasinu area, including Makoi, Omkar in Narere, and a creek linking Centrepoint to Samabula. Magnus highlighted that the waste captured by these booms prevented harmful materials from entering vulnerable coastal environments, which are crucial for marine life and local livelihoods.
The success of the Nadera trial has led to discussions with the Environment Ministry to adopt similar measures at other locations. However, Magnus cautioned that relying solely on infrastructure would not resolve the underlying problem. He stressed the necessity of stronger legislation to combat illegal dumping alongside environmental initiatives, indicating a holistic approach is essential for sustainable waste management.
As Nasinu takes proactive steps to enhance its waste management systems, the community remains hopeful that these measures will lead to cleaner waterways and healthier ecosystems, fostering a more sustainable environment for future generations.
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