The implementation of trash booms in Nasinu since April 2024 has proven to be an effective solution for intercepting significant amounts of waste, underscoring both the extent of illegal dumping and the pressing need for improved waste management practices. Felix Magnus, CEO of the Nasinu Town Council, noted that the initial trial of a trash boom at the Moala settlement in Nadera highlighted the substantial volume of rubbish entering local drains and waterways.
Community manager Tevita Tawake reported that the site has been collecting an average of 1.2 tonnes of waste each month, with plastics constituting a staggering 80 percent of the debris gathered. The trash boom has successfully trapped not only small items but also larger household waste, including old fridges and tree trunks, particularly during heavy rainfall in October. This required the team to regularly remove the debris and adapt the catchment to ensure the system continues to function effectively.
Looking ahead, Tawake mentioned plans to install additional trash booms at four other locations within the Nasinu area, including Makoi and Omkar in Narere, as well as a creek connecting Centrepoint to Samabula. Magnus emphasized that the volume of waste intercepted by the trash boom reflects what would have otherwise polluted sensitive coastal environments, potentially harming marine life and the livelihoods reliant on clean waterways.
The positive outcomes from the Nadera trial have led to collaboration with the Environment Ministry, which has since adopted this approach at additional sites. However, Magnus cautioned that while infrastructure like trash booms is vital for waste management, it is equally important to address the broader issue of illegal dumping through strengthened legislation and environmental initiatives. This comprehensive approach offers hope for improved waste management and environmental protection in the region.