Floodwaters put a stop to bus services
THE Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd and Pacific Recycling Foundation will continue to dedicate itself to empowering vulnerable populations involved in informal waste picking in Fiji. This will be achieved by growing recycling programs.
CEO Amitesh Deo said this could only be achieved with constant support from donors, strong public-private partnerships, and acceptance that recycling was a crucial and essential component of sustainability.
He said it was time to engage with grassroots communities involved in informal waste picking.
“While we indulge in merrymaking, let us also acknowledge and recognise the significant contribution of communities involved in informal waste picking, their empowering efforts are not only increasing the capacity of landfills and dump sites but also helps in reducing pollution,” Mr Deo said.
“Unfortunately, we often find that their work and voices go unnoticed.”
He said they were eager to collaborate with the new Government on environmental issues, including garbage management and recycling.
He said they had been collaborating closely with the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Environment.
“Through our advocacy programs and specially tailored recycling projects, PRF and WRFL are working tirelessly with our partners to change behaviour and mind-sets and inculcate best practices of waste management.”
Mr Deo said they had major projects planned for recycling program implementation and related advocacy work for 2023.
A BA bus company ceased services on Wednesday because of floodwaters had entered the town.
Fiji Transport Company managing director Anil Singh said the unsafe weather conditions had forced their hand.
“Our bus drivers are at the base and we are currently monitoring the situation,” he said.
Mr Singh said they had taken this decision keeping in mind the safety of their passengers.
“We have put on hold our services currently because there will a high tide later in the day and we do not want to bring more people to the town.”
He said bus operators servicing the interior areas did not operate, knowing that passengers would be stranded in floodwaters.
“We will wait and see whether the situation improves or deteriorates further.
“We are following the advisory alert issued by the Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO),” Mr Singh said.
The company operates routes from Ba-Lautoka and Lautoka to Vatukoula.