Citizens Obliged To Keep Fiji Clean: Minister Reddy
The campaign to keep our environment clean is of national interest so everyone is morally and legally bound to ensure their surroundings are tidy.
The Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment, Dr Mahendra Reddy delivered this reminder during the Litter Prevention Officers Training at Sonaisali
Beach Warehouse in Nadi.
The minister said each and every citizen of Fiji had an obligation to keep their environment clean. “We should be committed to keep Fiji clean,” Mr Reddy said.
“The issue of keeping the environment clean is a national interest therefore we need a national movement.
“The solution to this problem lies among us. Any place which is not clean will affect you, your family and your community,” he added. Mr Reddy said children were more cautious than adults in picking up their own rubbish. “Thanks to the education system for teaching them to remind their parents that littering is bad,” he said.
“Unfortunately it is the adult generation that is careless about littering which is a threat to the environment, threat to households, threat to business security, threat to business activity and waterways are getting clogged up.” The minister encouraged officers to play a constructive role in dealing with litter woes.
“All of you play an important role. Not only will you become a litter police but the intention of this, is to deal with the problem from the root that is to ensure that people need to change their conduct,” Mr Reddy said.
“Talk and have a talanoa session with them to change their behaviour. All of you must take ownership of a clean environment policy.”
We should be committed to keep Fiji clean.
Mahendra Reddy
Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development Waterways and Environment