The front page of The Fiji Times on Thursday, October 17, features two significant stories.
The ruling People’s Alliance Party (PAP) is experiencing internal conflict. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged that some PAP Cabinet ministers are considering forming their own party ahead of the 2026 general elections. While he is uncertain of the identities of these ministers, he has been made aware of their intentions.
Additionally, a report reveals that housing loans issued to customers purchasing new homes have outpaced Fiji’s total household sector debt, which reached $2.9 billion as of June 30 this year, accounting for 29.6 percent of the total loans within the banking industry. The Reserve Bank of Fiji’s October Financial Stability Review indicates that housing loans make up 79 percent of this debt, followed by personal loans at 14 percent and transportation loans at 7 percent.
In a more uplifting story, Fiji’s Ronald Philitoga is celebrating a dual achievement as he advances in his pursuit of a rugby league career with the NRL and reconnects with his family after being away for 12 years. Shortly after being invited for a training trial with the Brisbane Broncos, the Fiji-born player returned home with personal significance.
In other news, the government is planning to review the existing Litter Act 2008 and the Environmental Management Act to combat plastic pollution in Fiji. Permanent Secretary for Environment, Dr. Sivendra Michael, shared the government’s strategy at the Fiji National Symposium on Plastic Pollution. Among the proposed measures is the introduction of container deposit legislation to minimize irresponsible disposal of plastic waste.
While this initiative is promising, ongoing challenges regarding enforcement have emerged. The Suva City Council has reported issuing over 20 littering notices recently, identifying specific areas within the city. However, observable pollution in places like the Suva seawall and harbor raises concerns, as litter such as empty plastic bottles and aerosol cans are sadly prevalent.
Dr. Michael noted that the Litter Act serves as a foundational legislation lacking subsequent regulations, signifying the need for development in that area. Enhancing regulations under the Environmental Management Act is also discussed, with a focus on better waste and pollution control.
There is hope for robust enforcement of these new regulations, alongside community engagement to instill responsible waste disposal practices. Legislative revisions must go hand-in-hand with stringent enforcement measures to hold litterers accountable. As efforts continue, the goal is to foster a change in public behavior towards waste disposal.