Municipal councils are ramping up their efforts to combat illegal littering, with hundreds of fines already issued in the last financial year across various regions. Lautoka City Council reported an alarming total of over 640 fines, while Nasinu issued more than 400 fines, highlighting the widespread challenge of littering that authorities are facing.
In response to this issue, Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment, conveyed that the approach to tackle littering goes beyond merely imposing penalties. It forms part of a broader initiative aimed at reforming waste management practices. This includes investigating potential waste-to-energy solutions that could help alleviate environmental challenges.
Dr. Michael stressed the necessity of a well-structured regulatory framework regarding these initiatives. He remarked, “We understand the concerns of the public regarding the proposed waste-to-energy project, but I want to clarify that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, specifically the Department of Environment, is a regulatory body. All developments must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.”
He assured that no project could proceed without extensive public consultation, a specialized technical review, and a detailed environmental evaluation. The final decisions will be made considering both environmental implications and public feedback.
The Ministry is dedicated to following established regulations while promoting public awareness about its regulatory responsibilities as discussions on waste-to-energy initiatives progress. This proactive approach aims not only to reduce littering but also to involve the community in sustainable waste management strategies. Through continued public education and stringent enforcement of regulations, the Ministry hopes to nurture a cleaner and more environmentally aware society. This initiative reflects a commitment to both immediate action against littering and long-term solutions for waste management, fostering community engagement and promoting sustainability.