A pilot project, which will be started in three Nasinu suburbs, could provide solutions to the Town Council’s litter and garbage woes.

Nasinu Town Council chief executive officer Anurashika Bari said three suburbs have been chosen where small scale recycling plants have been set up.

She said this was being funded by the Commonwealth Local Government Organisation and they were working with local recycling companies.

“It is a small set up and a pilot project. We are looking at recycling glass bottles, plastic bottles and paper,” Ms Bari said.

“The concept is to buy these items from the community. This will encourage more and more people to recycle.”

The plant will be set up in Caubati, Nadawa and Koroba in Makoi. The initial target groups are the residents who live around the areas where the plants will be located.

Ms Bari said the Nasinu Town Council would look after the operations. She said this was new for them as well, but they were willing to learn.

The Caubati site is near completion.

“In the end we will have a safer environment, people will start practising recycling and we will be able to reduce the cost of garbage collection,” she said.

“We are charged by weight when trucks go to the Naboro Landfill.”

Ms Bari said the Nasinu Town Council also urged ratepayers who owed money to the council to approach them and work out ways for payment. Almost $9 million is owed to Nasinu Town Council in unpaid rates and arrears.

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj