Illegal dumping and poor waste disposal practices are ongoing issues for Nausori, as rubbish is often left behind at bus shelters, markets, and outside skip bins, frequently outside designated collection times.
Rajesh Kumar, the Acting CEO of the Nausori Town Council, has outlined the steps taken by the council to tackle this problem, including the installation of CCTV cameras in known hotspots for illegal dumping. Kumar remarked, “We have taken a very proactive approach by installing CCTV in hotspot areas because we are constantly collecting garbage that is illegally dumped overnight, and this has become a major cost to the council.” He pointed out that the repeated need for clean-up efforts due to overnight dumping sharply raises operational expenses for the council. Unfortunately, just days after waste has been cleared, more rubbish appears, leading to a misleading perception of the council’s efficiency.
Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa has criticized the existing regulations, stating they are outdated and ineffective. He noted that the current penalties for littering, which are based on legislation from 2008, are only $40, a sum he considers too low to act as a deterrent. “The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is now considering a review, because it’s something that we need to strengthen that particular area to deter people from littering,” Nalumisa said.
The ministry is actively reviewing these outdated laws with the intent of increasing penalties and promoting responsible waste disposal among residents. This initiative seeks to create cleaner and more sustainable environments across towns and cities in Fiji, encouraging a collective approach to tackling waste management issues. The focus on proactive measures reflects a commitment to improving local communities and fostering a healthier environment.