The staff of Nausori Town Council will soon have the power to fine those found littering in town.

Littering is an ongoing issue the Nausori and Nasinu Town Councils have been facing.

Nausori Town Council special administrator chair Uma Kant Patel said its staff were trained by the Ministry of Environment.

“Once our officers are authorised they will be empowered to fine these culprits. Fine range from minimum $40 up to $1000. People simply throw rubbish anyhow as if it’s nobody’s business,” Mr Patel said.

“It is not only in residential areas we are facing this problem, but in town as well. We have sent circulars to business houses in town not to take out trade waste since trade waste collection in reality as per the law is supposed to be disposed of on their own by business houses.”

Mr Patel said the council on a daily basis was supposed to collect kitchen wastes only.

“Many businesses continue to take out trade waste. There are many who come early in the day and dump their rubbish in town,” he said.

“Businesses are requested not to take out rubbish if any in the night. It should be taken out between 7am to 8.30am when it is actually collected.

“When it is taken out at night stray dogs are bound to scatter the rubbish. Rubbish in town is collected six days a week, from Monday to Saturday.

“I suppose the culture has to change as well. People should become more responsible and take ownership of their rubbish.”

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