Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that the penalty for littering is set at $40, regardless of whether the offense involves discarding a car, a refrigerator, or a plastic bag. During his address in Parliament, he mentioned that the Government is in the process of reviewing and amending the Litter Act of 2008.
He further noted that for corporate bodies caught littering, the fine will be $2,000, regardless of the type or quantity of litter involved. Rabuka emphasized that the current penalties are inadequate for serious environmental violations, pointing out that the Litter Act’s definition of public spaces and the boundaries for litter enforcement are not clearly established.
Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed that the Ministry of Environment is actively working to improve enforcement measures, which he identified as a significant issue. He clarified that the real problem lies not within the Act itself, but in its enforcement. Rabuka acknowledged the Ministry’s recognition of the shortcomings in the Litter Act of 2008 and its 2010 amendment, highlighting the urgent need to enhance enforcement and implementation through the ongoing review.