NATIONAL SHAME
LITTERING DECREASES IN NASINU, SUVA WORSENS
After a Fiji Sun team highlighted littering fines on the Nasinu residential area, a spot check by the daily publishers found less littering around Nasinu but an increase in the Suva areas. The Fiji Sun team toured areas of Suva and found rubbish piles carelessly disposed. The Department of Environment had launched the “Name and Shame” campaign which will allow people to take photographs or videos of those who litter including from moving or stationery vehicles as well as public service vehicles. Minister Kumar said: “These photographs and videos will be used to prosecute offenders and taken to task.” The current law states that any person caught littering will be fined $40 on–the–spot or other penalties from $500 to $10,000 or even imprisonment terms of three months till 12 months. Environment minister Praveen Kumar said despite campaigns being launched against littering people continued littering on road, rivers and picnic spots. “The Department of Environment has done various campaigns against littering and has met with limited success but it is the citizen’s responsibility to keep Fiji clean as there needs to be changes and if required; drastic measures – so be it,” Mr Kumar said.
Pile of rubbish carelessly dumped along the roadside in Wainivula Road, Caubati.
An eyesore. Rubbish dumped along a roadside in Suva.
Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment Parveen Kumar.