Rubbish dump highway

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

For a country that depends heavily on tourism and one that supposedly leads in the protection of the global environment, our actions on the ground are not only disgusting, but simply expose the kind of people we are – dirty, irresponsible beings!

The litter problem on our highways is growing substantially. From takeaway containers to drink bottles, plastic bags, nappies, and anything that can be catego­rised as garbage.

The next time contractors brush-cut the fringes of our highways it would be advis­able for responsible MPs to follow through and see for themselves (if they haven’t already noticed) how our highways and roadways are literally being used as rub­bish dumps.

On our way to Labasa yesterday I stopped a vehicle carrying four passengers in their late 20s, early 30s who were throw­ing rubbish out of their vehicle as they were through Nabalebale Village.

After scolding them and giving them a piece of my mind I expected them to pick up their rubbish and be regretful, but in­stead they gave me the blank stare and drove off! We sure have an intellectual problem when it comes to disposing of rubbish! Currently we are just a load of it!

Land lies

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Namaka, Nadi

It is always the story of allegations from disgruntled members of landowning units throughout Fiji relevant to their land dealings, TLTB (iTaukei Land Trust Board) will always counter with their side of the story which is the norm.

NLTB was formed in 1940 by the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna to protect the many diverse interests of the indigenous Fijian resource owners first and tenants in the promotion of their many commercial de­velopment aspirations to benefit their fu­ture generations.

Maybe it is the lack of awareness, com­munications between the two or the inac­tion of the landowner’s affairs unit with­in TLTB that is causing the stir.

The TLTB should be given a special award for the most outstanding Vision, Mission, Statement in any corporate en­tity Fiji wide that is displayed in front of their reception area in all their regional offices.

It makes very good reading but do they practice it? My point is; Who is telling the common lies here?

Helplines

Neelz Singh, Lami

Many organisations lately set up a hel­pline via text platform so people who are in need can call or report their grievanc­es.

The question, remains how effective are these helplines in terms of ranking com­plaints and action taken and implement­ed.

Most of them are very genuine and find it easy to use and communicate or report or tell their problems and are assisted. Also, I have noticed that with some hel­plines such as the parking metre short code no one picks up when you call.

What is one supposed to do in such a case? There are many who are abusing these types of platforms. Bunk or prank calls are costing these organisations.

What can be done to stop this kind of ac­tion and attitude?

We all hope for some changes in the man­ning and use of helplines.

48-hour meeting

Sukha Singh, Labasa

I would like to know if the 48-hour at Suvavou House in Suva was a continu­ous meeting, and if there were eight-hour breaks between meetings.

I also would like to know the kind of fa­cilities available in the place where they had the meeting.

I also would like to know from those who attended the meeting if any of them were bored during this 48-hour talks.

I remember back in FEA, during hur­ricanes and floods, we used to stay in the powerhouse for up to 36 hours, but we were allowed to drink grog and sleep and there was plenty of food. We had bath­rooms, but hardly anybody had a bath during the 36 hours.

It was one of the most enjoyable times for the workers because of the overtime and food and tea, milo, juice and grog con­suming.

Anyway, I would love to know what the OHS laws are regarding overtime work? Is there an eight-hour break after a 16-hour shift?

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj