More than 40 young people joined the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Western Division team and removed 55 sacks of rubbish from Saweni and Lomolomo beaches during a clean-up campaign aimed at protecting Fiji’s coastal and marine environment.
Members of the Youth Assembly for Fiji worked alongside Ministry officials to collect waste, the majority of which consisted of single-use plastics, PTE bottles, aluminium cans, glass bottles and household rubbish. The collected waste was later removed by the Lautoka City Council for proper disposal.
The large volume of rubbish recovered from the two beaches highlights the ongoing issue of improper waste disposal and its impact on the environment.
The Ministry is calling on all Fijians to “Do the Right Thing” by taking responsibility for their waste and disposing of it properly. Much of the litter discarded on land eventually blocks drains and enters waterways, rivers and the ocean, where it pollutes ecosystems and threatens marine life.
While enforcement remains important, the Ministry stresses that lasting solutions require behavioural change. Individuals, families and communities must develop a stronger sense of civic pride and environmental responsibility.
Penalties are a last resort. However, members of the public are reminded that littering is an offence and those caught improperly disposing of waste can face a $200 fine, which will be enforced by the relevant enforcement authorities.
The Ministry commends the Youth Assembly for Fiji and all community groups and stakeholders who continue to take action to protect the environment.
As Fiji marks World Environment Day and World Oceans Day in June, the Ministry encourages everyone to play their part in keeping communities clean and safeguarding the country’s natural resources for future generations.
Every piece of rubbish picked up is a reminder that protecting the environment starts with individual responsibility.