The litterbugs have grown bold over the past few months, as observed by a Fiji Sun team.

This boldness was observed at Vatuwaqa, Suva, where a huge pile of rubbish which consisted of wooden planks, corrugated iron and metal frames was dumped under a “No Dumping from Outside” sign.

The irony of this scene was that rubbish was dumped outside the yellow rubbish bin.

This littering is not only illegal, but also a safety hazard for nearby residents.

In a press conference last month, Minister for Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy said there would be a new Clean Environment Policy implemented.

“This will provide guidance for securing a clean Fiji for all Fijians through decentralised community-based awareness, readiness and litter enforcement programmes,” he said.

“The implementation of this new policy will begin with the establishment of a Litter Prevention Unit/ Community Clean Environment Unit.”

Mr Reddy said activities such as national environment clean-up campaigns, annual Clean Schools Competitions and annual National Clean Village/ Community competitions would be organised to further readiness and advocacy in communities.

In addition, he urged the public to upload or send videos and photographs of those who breach our litter laws to the Ministry of Waterways and Environment, which will assist in prosecuting offenders.

“The Clean Environment Policy shall enforce the penalties as specified under Part IV of the Litter Act of 2008,” Mr Reddy said.
“I hope that we take full ownership of our environment and work towards a litter-free Fiji.”

And just like the notice on the Suva City Council notice board, Mr Reddy’s message is loud and clear. Let’s be more vigilant and be responsible citizens.

Do the right thing. Put litter your rubbish in the bin. That’s all there is to it.

If we do this simple exercise, Fiji can truly become “the way the world should be”.
Feedback: sheenam.chandra@fijisun.com.fj