Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has highlighted the urgent need to enhance the enforcement of the Litter Act 2008. Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of protecting Fiji’s islands and unique ecosystems, noting that many Fijians have cultivated poor littering habits.
While other national issues may overshadow this concern, Mr. Rabuka questioned the ability to tackle more serious challenges without first addressing littering effectively. He shared experiences from his trips to China and Japan, where he observed clean streets and emphasized that current enforcement measures in Fiji are insufficient. He pointed out that a $40 fine applies regardless of the severity of the littering, whether it involves dumping a car, a fridge, or merely a plastic bag.
Despite ongoing efforts by the ministry, he acknowledged that the Litter Act is outdated and lacks essential definitions for effective enforcement. He mentioned that 18 training workshops had been conducted for public and private sector authorities, resulting in the training of 598 litter prevention officers. Additionally, a training plan for new officers is being developed for the current fiscal year.
Mr. Rabuka expressed concern about the visible litter in areas like the waterfront along Muanikau and the Nasese seawall, where rubbish often litters the landscape despite the presence of bins. He lamented the widespread practice of indiscriminately discarding items such as plastic bottles and food containers, an act he described as careless and lazy.
As the Hibiscus Festival unfolds, he hopes Fijians will show a greater appreciation for their environment and refrain from littering in places like Suva Harbour. He emphasized that this issue requires serious attention and called for a collective effort to maintain cleanliness along the seafront. The Prime Minister’s appeal marks a positive step toward addressing a growing problem that demands immediate action.