Kudos to Assemblies of God Pastor Joni Sauta of Suva.

On Thursday, when heavy downpour threatened flash flashing in the Central Division, Pastor Sauta jumped into a waterway clogged by rubbish and cleared it so that water could flow and avoid flooding.

His selfless act has attracted praise from many people who value a clean environment and healthy living.

He gave no thought of the risks he faced. In that waterway, all kinds of rubbish and debris were floating, some submerged.

There were sharp objects that could have slashed him and threatened his life.

But he trusted his instincts and faith in a God he believed would protect him from danger.

The same Karsanji Street waterway in Vatuwaqa, Suva, featured in this newspaper recently because it was used as an illegal dumping ground in Vatuwaqa, Suva. The rubbish was cleared later but it left a negative feeling about people who selfishly threw rubbish there without realising that they were putting residents’ lives at risk in terms of health.

Pastor Sauta’s exemplary act of courage, compassion and civic pride ranks the week’s number one act of public service.

It was the way he did it. He saw the problem, identified what needed to be done and acted promptly. He did not wait for someone else to tell him what needed to be done. He just did it quietly. Coincidentally, a Fiji Sun journalist and photographer were in the area to check for any flooding when they spotted Pastor Sauta in chest-deep water.

This is a man of God leading by example. He not only believes in the saying that Cleanliness is Next to Godliness.

He lives it too.

When he calls on fellow citizens not to litter and pick up rubbish, he means it.

If we follow his shining example, our neighbourhoods will be much cleaner.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has spoken out many times reprimanding Fijians for littering.

Fisheries Minister and our Oceans Champion Semi Koroilavesau has led the charge by organising a clean-up of our shorelines, Minister Environment Parveen Bala has instructed the towns and municipal councils to increase the number of rubbish collection days within towns and cities but this is not just their responsibility.

It is our responsibility.

When Fijians travel overseas, they are mindful of the manner in which they dispose of their rubbish but we have a rather lax attitude back home.

We need to change.

Pastor Sauta is an inspiration and we need to follow him.

He deserves a medal.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj