Felix Magnus, the Executive Chairman of the Nasinu Town Council, is urging the Government to implement more rigorous measures against illegal dumping, which has become an escalating problem for councils and is detrimental to Fiji’s environment. He emphasized the necessity of reforming the Litter Act, arguing that the existing fines are insufficient to deter offenders.
According to Magnus, illegal dumping has intensified both in Nasinu and throughout Fiji. He noted that many offenders prefer to pay the minimal fine of $40 rather than incur the cost of responsible waste disposal, which leads to unsustainable practices. This situation forces councils to allocate significant resources to cleanup efforts, diverting funds away from services that benefit law-abiding residents.
He argued that the current penalties do not effectively address the environmental damage caused and need to be increased to discourage repeat offenses. “If we want a clean environment and safe waterways, the fines need to be high enough to prevent this behavior,” Magnus stated, highlighting that “a $40 fine is not enough.”
Additionally, Magnus pointed out the challenges posed by informal settlements, which currently do not pay garbage collection fees. He expressed concern that these settlements place significant demands on council resources without contributing to waste management costs, putting an unfair burden on ratepayers who already fulfill their financial obligations for these services. “It’s fair for all residents to contribute,” he asserted.
This call to action underscores the urgency for policy reform and community responsibility in maintaining a clean environment. Stronger penalties and inclusive practices in waste management could lead to a more sustainable future for Fiji, benefiting both the environment and responsible citizens alike.
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