Residents of Pacific Harbour are expressing their discontent over the deteriorating condition of the beachfront, which has become littered with garbage and broken bottles following the festive season. Local property owner Rohini Latchman, whose estate borders the beach, shared her frustrations while taking a reporter on a tour of the shore to highlight the extent of the issue.
The scene is concerning, with discarded cartons, plastic bottles, broken glass, and various types of trash scattered across the sand, remnants left behind by holiday visitors. “People have been coming to this beach since Boxing Day and leaving their rubbish behind,” Ms. Latchman stated, urging others to walk along the beach to witness the poor conditions firsthand.
She emphasized the environmental dangers the litter poses, noting that as the tide rises, much of the waste ends up in the ocean. “There is no sense of responsibility. People don’t feel compelled to care about cleanliness or the environmental consequences of their actions,” she lamented, revealing that the primary offenders seem to be tourists from outside Pacific Harbour.
Although Pacific Harbour police have assured residents of increased patrols, Ms. Latchman expressed that these measures have not significantly reduced the littering issue. She is calling on the Lami Town Council and the government to implement long-term strategies to tackle this ongoing problem. “This shouldn’t be the norm every year during celebrations. We need a change, and we need it now,” she insisted.
The situation has raised questions among residents about who should be responsible for beach clean-ups, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws to protect the environment and maintain Pacific Harbour’s reputation as a pristine tourist spot. The Fiji Times reached out to the Lami Town Council regarding the matter, but previously submitted inquiries have gone unanswered.
Despite the challenges faced, this situation presents an opportunity for local authorities and community members to come together to develop effective waste management strategies and to foster a greater sense of environmental responsibility among visitors. By working collaboratively, Pacific Harbour can enhance its efforts to keep the beach clean and ensure it remains a beautiful destination for everyone.
Summary: Residents in Pacific Harbour are frustrated with the litter problem on the beachfront, particularly after the festive season. Local property owner Rohini Latchman has raised concerns about the environmental impact of the waste left by holidaymakers. Calls for stricter enforcement of clean-up responsibilities and anti-littering regulations are growing. The community is urged to take action, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship.
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