The introduction of trash booms in Nasinu, initiated in April 2024, has emerged as an effective strategy for capturing substantial amounts of waste, shedding light on the critical challenges posed by illegal dumping and the urgent need for better waste management systems. Felix Magnus, the CEO of the Nasinu Town Council, highlighted that the pilot project at the Moala settlement in Nadera revealed the alarming quantity of refuse flowing into local drains and waterways.
Community manager Tevita Tawake reported that the site has been averaging 1.2 tonnes of waste collected each month, with plastics making up an astonishing 80 percent of the materials gathered. The trash boom has been adept at capturing not only smaller items but also larger household discards, including old refrigerators and tree trunks, particularly during the heavy rainfall in October. This situation necessitated regular debris removal and adjustments to the catchment to ensure the system’s efficiency.
Tawake also indicated plans to deploy additional trash booms at four more locations within Nasinu, such as Makoi and Omkar in Narere, along with a creek connecting Centrepoint to Samabula. Magnus pointed out that the waste intercepted by the trash booms reflects a significant amount that could have otherwise polluted sensitive coastal ecosystems, posing risks to marine life and the livelihoods dependent on pristine waterways.
The success observed in the Nadera trial has paved the way for collaboration with the Environment Ministry, which has recognized the approach and implemented it at other sites. However, Magnus warned that while infrastructure like trash booms is essential for effective waste management, addressing the overarching issue of illegal dumping through enhanced legislation and environmental initiatives is equally crucial. This holistic strategy presents a promising outlook for advancing waste management practices and safeguarding the environment in the region.