Residents of Rotuma have urgently appealed for attention to the critical issue of waste management on the island. Amitesh Deo, the founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), underscored this concern during a recent roundtable discussion held in Nadi. He emphasized the organization’s dedication to finding solutions for rural and outer islands that are grappling with similar waste management issues.
Deo noted that the community is acutely aware of the health and environmental risks associated with poor waste management. He stated, “Rotuma was never going to be a trial area for us because of its geographical distance, but the local call for assistance is compelling.” This plea reflects larger waste management challenges that other outer islands in Fiji, such as Ovalau, Kadavu, and Taveuni, are also encountering. In response to these issues, the PRF has launched initiatives designed to establish structured and sustainable waste management systems.
The foundation is advocating for a collaborative approach involving government agencies, development partners, and the local community to tackle these challenges effectively. Deo remarked, “It is not an easy problem to solve, but it is crucial that we look beyond urban centers and privileged communities to include those in rural areas in our advocacy for solutions.”
As part of their strategy, recent initiatives by PRF, including the Look Beyond program, aim to implement immediate and effective solutions to combat the waste crisis in Rotuma and other outer islands. However, the self-funded nature of the foundation’s projects underlines the necessity for collaborative financial investment in these essential programs.
The ongoing outreach and calls to action by the PRF represent a hopeful development for the residents of Fiji’s outer islands. Through collaborative efforts to address waste management head-on, communities are poised to achieve a healthier environment and a sustainable future. The involvement of all stakeholders will be crucial in fostering enduring changes that will benefit both the environment and the quality of life for the inhabitants of these regions.
Leave a comment