Municipal councils are intensifying their crackdown on illegal littering, with hundreds of fines already issued during the last financial year. Lautoka City Council reported an alarming total of over 640 littering fines, while Nasinu issued more than 400, underscoring the nationwide challenge of littering.
As local governments ramp up enforcement, Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Environment, emphasized that efforts are not only focused on penalties but are also part of a larger initiative to reform waste management. This includes exploring waste-to-energy solutions to address environmental concerns.
Dr. Michael highlighted the importance of a structured regulatory approach, stating, “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 confirmed that no project can advance without thorough public consultation, a technical review, and a comprehensive environmental assessment. Decisions will be made based on environmental considerations and feedback from the public.
The Ministry is committed to adhering to established regulations and guidelines, stressing the importance of public awareness about its regulatory role as discussions about waste-to-energy initiatives move forward. This proactive stance not only aims to curb littering but also to engage the community in sustainable waste management solutions. By continuing to educate the public and reinforcing regulations, the ministry hopes to foster a cleaner and more environmentally conscious society.