Waka challenges businesses to join fight against littering

Jonathan Batisarisari said the initiative was driven by his passion for Macuata and his desire to promote a cleaner and greener environment.

Wednesday 09 September 2026 | 07:00

Updated 09 September 2026 | 09:16 FJT

Korosomo, debris clear, stakeholders, green, clean environment initiative

Stakeholders joined forces with the Waka family to clear debris from Korosomo in Macuata on September 7, 2026.

Supplied

North-based entrepreneur, farmer and social media content creator Jonathan Batisarisari has challenged businesses to take a more active role in tackling littering after joining a community clean-up along the Labasa-Seaqaqa highway.

Mr Batisarisari, an environment advocate whose business trades under the name Waka, collaborated with A Khan Hire Services, police and the nearby community to clear illegally dumped waste at Korosomo, including household rubbish, plastics and a derelict vehicle.

Mr Batisarisari is also the co-owner of Waka PTE LTD and Organic & Clean.

He said the initiative was driven by his passion for Macuata and his desire to promote a cleaner and greener environment.

“I drive by that place a few times a week, so I felt the need for the environment to be free from litter and garbage,” he said.

Mr Batisarisari also used his social media platforms to highlight the clean-up and encourage people to stop littering.

He supported the increase in littering fines from $40 to $200 and hoped the higher penalty would act as a deterrent.

“Making some social media videos of our clean-up initiative is also to challenge business houses to play their role and active themselves towards cleaner environment for all.”

Mr Batisarisari said A Khan Hire Services provided its machinery and services for the clean-up free of charge.

He acknowledged the company for supporting environmental protection and cleanliness by providing the machinery needed for the operation.

“All their workers’ wages, all their loading trucks, all of the fuel used, transport cost back and forth to the rubbish dump was all FOC.”

Mr Batisarisari said littering and improper waste disposal was a systemic issue that, at times, had also become a cultural issue.

“We used to see people back in the days utilising a composting waste system, but now this has become a far-fetched reality with littering on the rise.”

The clean-up was undertaken with the blessing of the vanua and the landowning unit.



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